How to Reflect the Ultimate Light of the World

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Jesus said…

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

Jesus is the Light of the World who gives us hope and joy.

Without light, we’re left living in the dark. Bleakness, despair, despondency, gloom, and misery are just some of the synonyms for darkness. And that’s the life we’re experiencing without hope giving light of Jesus.

I for one want to live in the “light.” You too?

The Apostle John wrote…

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

John 1:6–9

John couldn’t shine the light himself. He needed Jesus, the Light of the World and so do we.

God created John the Baptist to proclaim the coming Messiah, the One who would shine the true Light of God’s Love. John’s mission was to make people aware of their sinfulness and show them their need to repent and be baptized. He encouraging them to confess their sins with a desire to stop sinning.

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”

John 1:26–27

Many have asked the following question…

Is there a difference between John’s baptism and Jesus’ baptism?

I believe John’s job was to make people aware of their sinfulness and need for the coming Messiah. When Jesus was baptized, God identified Him as the Messiah through the living presence of the Trinity…

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for He existed long before me.’ I did not recognize Him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that He might be revealed to Israel.

”Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon Him. I didn’t know He was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, He told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that He is the Chosen One of God.”

John 1:29–34

Jesus didn’t need forgiveness. He was and is the perfect Son of God. He was baptized because that’s how God chose to identify Him as the Messiah.

At His baptism … God spoke, the Spirit singled Him out, and Jesus humbled Himself for you, me, and every person in the world. Jesus is the Light of the world, the Messiah who offered Himself as a sacrifice showing us the enormity of God’s love.

John’s baptism was the beginning showing people their need to repent. Jesus’ baptism continues God’s will for us washing away our sins and making us clean through His saving grace.

You and I cannot fully comprehend the magnitude of God’s love. We’re sinful, often unforgiving and resentful. But through the Messiah, Jesus, God faithfully forgives our repentant hearts every time we humbly come to Him through faith in Jesus, the Light of the World.

So, by God’s grace may we…

♥ Trust Jesus, repent, and be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

And…

♥ Reflect Jesus, the Light of the World, shining the light of His love with hope and joy.

“All of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Reflect Jesus
The Light of the World

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your Word and the intentional way You made it possible for us to KNOW You through Jesus. Thank you for the way He showed Your love and desire for us to KNOW and LOVE You.

It tells us of Your creative power, provision, and care even after we gave in to temptation and sinned. I’m humbled when I read of Your many promises to send the Messiah and the clear message that Your Son, Jesus is that Messiah. He showed the world the living light of Your love declaring Himself the Light of the World.

Thank you for telling us through John the Baptist of our need to confess and repent of our sins. Thank you for telling us through Jesus about the importance of faith for forgiveness and baptism for adoption into Your family.

You are gracious and good and I only KNOW that through the power of Your Spirit and the gift of Your Word. I love You, Lord. I will forever thank and praise You for showing me the Light, please help me reflect the Light of Your love everywhere I go and to everyone I meet. In the name of Jesus, the Light of the World. Amen.

I believe this quote says it well…

“Don’t be fearful about the journey ahead; don’t worry about where you are going or how you are going to get there. If you believe in the first person of the Trinity, God the Father, also believe in the second person of the Trinity, the one who came as the Light of the World, not only to die for people but to light the way… This one, Jesus Christ, is Himself the Light and will guide your footsteps along the way.” ~ Edith Schaeffer

May the Lord give you everything you need to trust, obey, repent, and be baptized. May He fill you with His love, continue to grow your faith, and empower to reflect Jesus the Light of the World.

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