Pastor’s Corner – June 29, 2023
The I am Statements of Jesus II: Light of the World
The Gospel of John explores the identity of Jesus in a series of seven I am statements. In Hebrew the words for I am are related to the name of God. In Exodus 3:14 God introduces the Divine name to Moses. The faithful, in respect and awe, do not even speak the name of God, so no one knows for sure how it is pronounced. Nor does anyone know exactly what it means, maybe it means: I am who I am or I will be who I will be or just I am or something else.
Through the revelation of Jesus, we can learn more about the Divine identity. The second I am statement is found in John 8:12. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
This idea of God’s grace reaching to the whole world is as old as our faith. In Genesis 12 God invites Abraham and Sarah to journey to a new land, promising to bless them so that they may be a blessing to all the families of the earth. Prophets like Isaiah pick up on this theme reminding God’s people to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6).
Jesus builds on this foundation of service to all using this imagery of light. Earlier in the eighth chapter Jesus offers the Divine light to shine the gift of mercy to one caught in the act of adultery. In the next chapter Jesus offers Divine light to shine the gift of understanding to those lacking vision.
Is there a situation or a relationship crying out for mercy? Could you benefit from seeing from the perspective of God’s light? Receive the gift by following the way of Jesus and pass it on!
Yours in Christ,
Marc
