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Making It Real // John 12:46 Jesus Is the Light
Have you ever watched a movie that showed places where evil took place as dark and gloomy? Have you ever heard something bad described as “dark”? That’s because darkness hides things and is a place evil prefers because it can’t be seen. Think about what it’s like to be in a room that is pitch black—no light, no windows, totally dark. In total darkness, you can’t see what’s right in front of you. That blindness is exactly like the effect sin has on us—we can’t see truth even when it’s right before our eyes. What happens when you turn on a flashlight or strike a match in a dark room? The entire room lights up. It’s hard to believe the power of one small light source. We live in a world darkened by sin and death. But the good news is that Jesus is the light of the world, and because you belong to Him, you are the light! You can have the same kind of effect as a flashlight in a dark room when you allow your light to shine wherever you go. Every day you come across the paths of people who desperately need the light of Jesus. Don’t hide the light. Use it to impact someone’s life forever! Don’t let your batteries run out, and you’d better check your bulb. Know God’s Word and stay connected to the Holy Spirit within. You’ll have all you need to remain “light”—the light that Christians give because of Jesus is the only light this world has. (See also: Matt. 5:14; John 9:5.)
Words to Live By
Darkness: The people in this world who are living in darkness do not know the truth of God’s Word. They may not even realize they’re living in darkness because they’ve never really seen what the light is like. Jesus is the light, and because He came into our world, life in eternal light rather than continual darkness is possible for everyone—even for those who are currently lost in the deepest darkness.
Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” a 41These
things Isaiah said whena he saw His glory and spoke of Him.
Walk in the Light 42Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47And if anyone hears My words and does not
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believe,a I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
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Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the
12:40 aIsaiah 6:10 12:41 aNU-Text reads because. 12:47 aNU-Text reads keep them.
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