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.” John 8:12
Having light with the flick of a switch is something we tend to take for granted. But in reality, the technology is fairly recent. It was only in 1879 that Thomas Edison had a breakthrough in creating a long-burning incandescent light, something we now seemingly cannot live without. In truth, light is integral to our lives. And it is this basic element of life to which Jesus refers during the Feast of Tabernacles. In John 8:12, He declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
During the Feast of Tabernacles, there was a ceremony where four immense candlesticks were lit to illuminate the temple and, some say, the entire city of Jerusalem. It was done to remind people of the pillar of fire that led their forefathers through the wilderness. And it was the day after this ceremony that Jesus stood up and said, “I am the light of the world.”
It is not the first time Jesus made a declaration about light. As Creator, it was He who commanded there be light in the beginning of the world. Just as this light was created to cast out darkness, Jesus came to give the light of life.
There is a restaurant in Los Angeles called Opaque. While it may look ordinary on the outside, upon entering it’s apparent this isn’t your typical restaurant. Diners are told to take off all smart watches, as well as turn off cell phones. They order before entering the dining room because it’s pitch black. There isn’t any light anywhere. People pay more than $100 per person to eat in total darkness! Things such as pouring beverages and even eating simple items become difficult. So difficult, in fact, that most diners forgo the utensils and eat with their hands.
What struck me the most as I watched the news about this restaurant was that this is exactly what the world is trying to do. They are trying to feel their way through life and make things up as they go along just to survive, but they are doing it in the midst of darkness. And Jesus is saying to them, “I am the light of the world. You don’t have to keep groping and trying to find your own way through. I am the one who can get rid of the darkness because I am the light of the world. I can show you how to live a fulfilling life because I am the light the world. I am the one who can show you the plan for your life and guide you to live out that plan because I am the light of the world.”