¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ¹³ The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” ¹⁴ Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. ¹⁵ You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. ¹⁶ But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. ¹⁷ In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. ¹⁸ I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” ¹⁹ Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” ²⁰ He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

That is quite a statement from Jesus.  “I am the light of the world.”  It is even more specific according to most scholars who from its context in John see it as a reference to the pillar of fire that led the Israelites in the wilderness.  From that Jesus means that Jesus says he is the presence of God with his people, the protection of his people and the guide of his people. Today we will just think about Jesus as God with us. 

Darkness is a very apt description of life without God.  Without God we have burdens of guilt with all the dark fears associated with that.  Without God we have no hope, just a frustrating, sometimes fun few years in this world and then …. Jesus, the Son of God, our saviour is light for us because he has come to reconcile us to our estranged God through his death and provide us with eternity, something glorious to look forward to.

Today, resting in Jesus, the light of the world, you can know the love of God.  You can face each challenge with the confidence you are not alone, he is with you and certainly not against you.  In the bleakest times, perhaps right now for you, you have the real confidence that there is hope through Jesus. Life goes on into eternity and the struggles today are only a momentary light affliction compared to the glory that lies ahead.  Jesus is your light, the presence of God and hope.

Ask the Lord make this very real to you today and make an effort to remind yourself that Jesus is the presence of God with you.