Thursday Devotional - Jesus is Truth – The Light of the World (12/7/23)

What does “Jesus is the Light of the World” really mean??? We throw around the fact that Jesus is the Light of the World, especially around Christmas time. It is often on many Christmas cards. I was even thinking about putting it on mine this year, since we just studied it in context of all of John 8 this week in Bible study.

John 8:12-18      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.”

Jesus had previously declared that He is the bread of life (John 6), which means He is the only one that can provide true sustenance, satisfaction, contentment and joy for this life and for all eternity! In John 8, Jesus reveals He’s the Light of the World. He’s the only one who offers absolute truth about God, life, sin and eternity. He’s the only one who is God, sent by God. Only He can judge sin perfectly and provide direction for life.

What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Light of the World? How are you and I using His light? Are you and I allowing His light to illuminate sin in our lives so we can walk less in darkness and more in abundance of life?

Thursday Devotional - Jesus is Truth – The Bread of Life (11/16/23)

The day after Jesus fed the 5000 and walked on water, the crowd came looking for Him and asked him for more signs!

John 6:30-35  ³⁰ So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? ³¹ Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

³² Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

³⁴ “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

³⁵ Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

The crowd seemed to selfishly want more free food! It’s like they were asking “How about something daily like manna in the wilderness, but better?”! The signs Jesus had given them weren’t enough.

Jesus, full of truth, appropriately declared He is the Bread of Life from God! He gives life eternal and complete satisfaction. He far exceeds daily manna provisions! He provides daily wisdom, comfort, peace, and security!

 

I was convicted this week as I studied this that I don’t always let Jesus, the Bread of Life, fully satisfy my hunger. Sometimes I look elsewhere for satisfaction (like kids being obedient or doing well in school). Also, sometimes I ask for more, instead of claiming and using the truths He’s already given me.

 

How about you? What area of your life do you need to give to Jesus? Where are you looking to another person, possession or position for satisfaction instead of to Jesus? Those people or things may bring temporary satisfaction, but they will regularly disappoint. Jesus, the Bread of Life, gives enduring satisfaction for daily contentment and eternal glory!