I Have Come into the World as a Light

Today's Reading: 
Numbers 16:41-18:32
John 12:20-50
Psalm 41:1-6
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Focus Verses: John 12:44-46 
44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

Insight:
Jesus claimed to be the light God had sent into the world to deliver people from darkness. He said that seeing him was a the way to see the one who had sent him. Believing in him was actually believing in the one who had sent him. To accept Jesus' claims about himself is also to accept his testimony about the will, purpose, and nature of God.

Response and Action:
Jesus' coming into the world changes everything. It makes it possible to know God in a personal and human way. It makes God more approachable and understandable. My faith is in Jesus and the God he makes known. There are so many questions and so many versions of God in the world, so I will take my questions to Jesus. I will listen to his words and reflect upon his actions, trusting that he alone is my best source and guide for knowing the truth of God.

O Christ Jesus, you are the light of the world. You are the true light that enlightens all who seek truth and life. Your words are spirit and life. You are the image of the invisible God. You are able to deliver me from the dominion of darkness and bring me into the light of your Kingdom. Shine truth and purpose and life into my life. Help me to be receptive to all you have for me. Transform me that I might become a testimony of your grace and power. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Colossians 1:15-20
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Resources:
Jesus: Lord and Savior
by F. F. Bruce