The Council Speaks

Question: Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

What does this mean? And why should it matter to me?

Answer: In the Bible we see where the Lord Jesus Christ, God's Beloved Son, has been given more than 300 names and titles. Each name gives us a word picture or description of who God is. It is God's way of revealing Himself to His creation.

I love the book of John because John tells the story of Jesus' life with beautiful imagery. In John's book, Jesus gives seven descriptions of Himself. Jesus says, "I am . . . the Bread of life (6:35), the Door (10:9), the Good Shepherd (10:11), the Resurrection and the Life (11:25), the Way, Truth, and Life (14:6), and the Vine (15:1)."

Today we will look at His testimony as He says, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness because you will have the light that leads to life" (John 8:12, NLT).

In order to understand why Jesus said He is the Light of the World, we need to understand the cultural context. The Feast of Tabernacles had just concluded the day before. This feast was a seven-day festival celebrated by the Jews, and it is still celebrated today by the name of Sukkoth, which means "booths."

In ancient Israel, the priests would take four large candelabras, each containing four bowls of oil. These golden bowls were placed high up in the temple. The candles would be lit each night, and it was believed all Jerusalem was illuminated from these candles. Remember, they didn't have streetlights.

This annual feast was created by God to help the Israelites remember that for 40 years they wandered in the wilderness (darkness) before they finally entered the Promised Land (Leviticus 23:34-43).

During this seven-day celebration the entire nation camped out in booths. People would eat their meals in them, and some would eat and sleep in them. They were made of branches and leaves to remind the people of the hardships their ancestors endured in the wilderness.

The Feast of Tabernacles was a happy, joyous holiday as the Israelites would dance and sing, remembering God's glory among them, as God traveled as a cloud during the day and fire at night. The celebration also focused on the promise of God sending a light, the Anointed One, the Messiah, who would free them from bondage.

On the final night, the candelabras were extinguished and there was darkness. The lights were extinguished because God had not yet sent the Savior; so, the temple grew dark. The tents were torn down.

The next morning Jesus entered the temple. He was surrounded by people and stood up and said, "I am the Light of the world!" Jesus was declaring that He was the Messiah, the Anointed One, God's Beloved Son. What a remarkable statement!

John began his letter in chapter one by acknowledging Jesus as the True Light that gives light to every man (9), yet the world did not recognize Him (10). They were blinded of the true image of Jesus Christ. What is your view today of Jesus Christ? Do you really see Jesus as God's Word tells us?

Jesus continued His statement by saying, "If you follow me . . ." It's an invitation to relationship.

Relationships are particularly important among our Native First Nations people. There is a high value in relationship to God, our Creator, our family, our neighbor, etc. In the beginning of Christ's ministry, you see over and over again, He invites His people into relationship by saying, "Follow me (Matt. 4:19), get to know me, trust me." It's also a choice he asks us to make. Have you made that choice in your life today?

If we choose to follow Him, we have the promise that we won't have to walk in darkness.

Stop and think what happens literally when you are in complete darkness. There is fear of the unknown. You may stumble and fall. You can seriously get hurt. It could be even disastrous. Yet, Jesus is saying that if we choose to follow Him, He will protect and direct our ways (Proverbs 3: 5–6). There is a beautiful picture in the Bible that describes our salvation through Jesus Christ. "For He (God) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves" (Colossians 1:13, NIV).

In summary, Jesus is declaring He is the Light to all of His creation, the world. If you follow Him, putting your trust in Him, He will lead, protect, and guide you through the darkness and evil of this age. He offers a day-by-day personal relationship with you. He promises to walk with you through the valley of deep darkness. And, through the journey of your life, He will lead the way ultimately into life everlasting. What an awesome gift He offers to you today. The question is what will you do with His gift?

Blessings, my friend,

Huron Claus

President of CHIEF Inc.