John 12:44-46
By Blesson Selvanesan
The Word
44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. (ESV)
Interpretation
Even after Jesus’ powerful ministry filled with miracles and wonders, many did not believe in Him. In fact, there were several powerful groups of religious people who opposed and actively discredited Him. Even though some believed and followed Jesus, others who believed Him did not openly acknowledge Him for the fear of persecution and being ostracized.
Jesus in his last few days before his death cried out and declared who He was. He said that he was sent by his heavenly Father and He is the reflection of God and claimed to be the light of the world and light for all who lived in darkness. All this happened just as it was prophesied earlier.
Application
Jesus came to this world as God incarnate to live among His creation. However, despite all the evidences, many did not believe in Him or take His claims seriously. Most of the people rejected Jesus as the Son of God because He did not fit in their concept of the Messiah. Despite Jesus’ repeated claims, they rejected Him as they could not understand Him. Jesus urged them to believe in his claims, but their religiosity, traditions and their education prevented them from believing in His truthful claims. Often, we are blinded like these people, and cannot see the light just like these people because of our prejudices. Are we open to identify Jesus as the light?
Jesus also gave all of us an open invitation to come to the light. This invitation is open even today. Walking in the light of God is essential for a human to lead a righteous and a blessed life on the earth and gain His presence in heaven for eternity. Jesus is offering this eternal life for all who would believe in Him. This comes with no cost to us, as Jesus bore the cost for all on the cross by paying with his life. Jesus claimed to be the only way to God the Father. Are we willing to move away from darkness and accept Jesus as our light?
Light is unique in that it’s very bright and has no weight. Yet, it fills an entire place and opens our eyes to ourselves and our surroundings, exposing everything. In the absence of light, darkness follows automatically without any invitation. That would mean anyone without Jesus is living in darkness. Darkness mars our perception of ourselves and everything around us. Darkness invariably make us stumble and fall and makes our lives miserable in this world. A deeper darkness will follow in eternity to come. Some are willing to stay in darkness as they are afraid that light will expose them. Jesus offers forgiveness to all who ask for it from Him. Are we willing to believe in Jesus and walk in the light?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we confess today that you are the Light of the world and we need your light in our lives and in our society. Open our eyes Lord and lead us to your light. Help us to believe in you and walk in the light to honor you and our Heavenly Father who sent you to be a light and the sacrifical lamb for us. Help us to experience you every day. In Christ Name we pray. Amen.