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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise 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). I praise you today as the God who sent light into the darkness of my sinful heart! In Jesus I have life, and through him, I’ve been adopted into your family. How wonderful it is to be a child of the King! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Jesus’ visit to Jerusalem. It was the third visit since the start of his ministry, and he spent over two months in Judea, from the Feast of Tabernacles to the Feast of Dedication. While he was in the city, he went to the temple and taught the people. The crowds were arguing about him, some saying that he was a good man, others saying that he deceived the people. Jesus finally said, “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether [my] teaching is from God” (John 7:17). This teaches me that submission to your will is the foundation for understanding truth. If I’m committed to obeying your Word, then your Spirit will guide me to the truth (John 16:13). Every day during Tabernacles, the priests took water from the pool of Siloam and poured it out at the base of the altar. The seventh day of the festival, the last day proper, was marked by a special water-pouring rite and torch-lighting ceremony. With these symbolic acts as a backdrop, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink…I am the light of the world!” (John 7:37; 8:12). This reminds me that “the law has but a shadow of the good things to come,” while Jesus is the “true form of these realities” (Heb 10:1). In him, the law finds its completion and fulfillment. Jesus’ claims intensified the resistance against him, yet as he was teaching, “many believed in him” (John 8:30). Jesus told those who believed, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32). This teaches me that abiding in Christ means obeying what he says (John 15:10). A true disciple of Jesus accepts his teaching and faithfully carries out his commands. Those who did not believe were also listening, and they pounced on Jesus’ suggestion that they were enslaved: “How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” (John 8:33). The Jews were convinced that their ancestry (“Abraham is our father”) meant that they were right with God. Jesus told them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did” (John 8:39). This teaches me that “it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham,” and “the children of the promise are counted as offspring” (Gal 3:7; Rom 9:8). Faith in Christ is what makes me right with you. If I refuse to believe, I show that I’m a child of “the devil” (John 8:44). Reflection Jesus said, “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34), and Paul said, “You are slaves of the one whom you obey” (Rom 6:16). Am I yielding to the flesh or following the leadership of the Spirit? Request Father, help me imitate the example of my spiritual father, Abraham. He believed what you said, even when it seemed impossible, and you counted that to him as righteousness (Gen 15:5–6). Thanksgiving Thank you for the gift of your Spirit, the One who produces in me what was prophesied so many years ago: “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38; Isa 12:3; 55:1). Glory to God! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “The Light of the World Is Jesus” — Philip P. Bliss. Meditation Verse: John 8:58. |