Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
On the last evening of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Temple in Jerusalem is lighted for the last time on all its wall in the year. Early the next morning, the priests would go and put out the torches of light, for the last time, to mark the end of the Feast, or sukkot. It was on that last morning at the end of sukkot, that a woman who was caught in adultery, was brought before Jesus. Just as Jesus pronounced forgiveness on an apparently repentant adulterer, it was probably about the time when the priests were putting out the lights in the Temple. Immediately after that, Jesus made such staggering claim – that He is the light of the world!
To His Jewish audience, it is a claim of divinity. Only God gives light and life to mankind. During sukkot, the Jews remember God’s provision and presence with them when they were in the wilderness. They remember God as their only reliable source of life in times of dire needs. With such claim made by Jesus, He is saying that He is the source of life, not only to the Jews, but to the world as well. This Light of Life is made available to all those who would choose to follow Him. This is His promise.
As we welcome those who are being baptised today into God’s family, as they make that choice to follow Jesus, together with all of us who have made that same choice, they too, can access this Light of Life. When we continue to follow Jesus, we continue to stay connected to this light. Wherever there is light, darkness cannot prevail. Hallelujah!