“In Him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men.” John 1:4
That “life” – was the light of God, the reflection of the character, attributes, and nature of God. Jesus himself said, “The one who has seen Me has seen the Father.” John 14:9
“That life was the light of men” confirms this mission of Jesus was in part to reveal the true nature and glory of God. Everywhere He went He was on mission to share the light of God to the world: “Jesus continued going around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.” Matthew 9:35
This “light of men” did much more than speak about the kingdom, he demonstrated a life of intimacy and dependence on God the Father. At times when important decisions had to be made Jesus would get to a quiet place to pray. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place, and there He was praying.” Mark 1:35
When the time had come to choose His disciples: “During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He summoned His disciples, and He chose twelve of them, whom He also called apostles.” Luke 6:12-13
This “light of men” consistently showed of love and care for all people at all times.
“When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
Jesus won the hearts of the people through His teaching: “The crowds were astonished at His teaching because He was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes.” Matthew 7:28
Jesus caught the hearts of the people not only by the truth and content of His teaching but because He lived what he taught. “That life was the light of men.”
Jesus passed the mission to be “the light of the world” on to his disciples. Have we accepted or realized this mission? Do we understand our role as influencers in the kingdom? What “life” do we reflect by what we say and how we live?
How would our family, friends, and associates fill in this blank:
“When I have seen him/her, I have seen _________ !
What better a compliment could one hope to attain than have someone say: “I see Jesus in you!”
Blessed by you… Bro. Sherman
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