Day 19 – I Am the Light of the World
JOHN 9:1-5
As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world”
(John 9:1-5).
Hebrew tradition held that sickness or affliction was the result of a person’s sin. Jesus exposes this false notion of a compulsory connection between sin and suffering. The Lord’s work of healing this man is an exemplary demonstration that all are blind until we come to recognize Jesus as the source of all light.
Reflection
- Do you think there is a connection between sickness and sin?
- Is Jesus just referring to visible light?
- Why does Jesus tell us “the night is coming, when no one can work”?
ISAIAH 60:1-3
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn
(Isaiah 60:1-3).
Isaiah rejoices in the knowledge that the promise of the Lord’s coming is fulfilled! The Messiah will scatter the darkness. Even the Gentiles will see His marvelous light. One day the rulers of this world will recognize Him and submit to Him.
Reflection
- How is it that we can arise and shine?
- Is Isaiah telling us that we will recognize the Messiah?
- Each verse mentions “you” or “your” twice. Who is this “you”?
