The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Satan’s Purpose

Paula K. Graves

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January 30, 2026

What is satan’s purpose on this earth? Jesus tells us. John 10:10a The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.[1] We first see this thief in Genesis chapter three, where he seeks to deceive Adam and Eve, whom God had created. Genesis 3:1The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” [2]  

When Adam and Eve fell into sin by eating the fruit God told them not to, the enemy successfully deceived them and, in essence, stole their innocence. As history unfolded, the disease of sin spread from one generation to the next, leading to God’s intervention at the cross at Calvary. John 3:16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[3]

Satan Wants to Isolate You

When you’re going through tough times, remember the Lord is with you and aware of your situation. Our enemy might try to use these challenging times to pull you off your path, but continue moving forward in the Lord’s strength. Peter warns us of the enemy’s work. 1 Peter 1:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. “[4] Our enemy is not to be taken lightly because he desires to devour you.

Peter continued his warning in the next verse 1 Peter 1:9Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. [5] Just like a wolf quietly stalking a wounded animal, when we are hurting, the enemy picks up on our pain. Satan’s goal is to make you doubt God’s love and to try to cut off your connection with Him. Remember, while the enemy wants to isolate you, the Lord wants to draw you closer to Himself and other believers.

We Can Fight Back Against Our Enemy

In our times of suffering, God invites us to trust Him more deeply, encouraging us to connect more with His people and lean on Him like never before. As we find ourselves in this spiritual battle, Paul explains how we can fight back. Ephesians 10:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[6]  

We remain strong in God’s power as we look up and stay in relationship with Him. We accomplish this through faith in Jesus as our Savior, God’s word, prayer, worship, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. The question isn’t whether we will face suffering, but when. When it does, let’s choose to follow God’s purpose rather than give in to Satan’s purpose.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-gate

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Danger of False Shepherds

Tom Graves

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January 29, 2026

We see the danger of false shepherds throughout God’s word. Jesus provides insight into the difference between a real and a false shepherd. John 10:1“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! 2 But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.[1] There are many false shepherds today, even within the Christian church, who twist God’s word and, in a figurative sense, are thieves and robbers.

The book of Genesis is the foundation of the Bible and is also among the most criticized for being made up of fairy tales. Moses authored the first five books of the Bible, as cited in Joshua 8:31. In one story, after his brother and sister complain to God, the Lord responds to them. Numbers 12:2But the Lord heard them. 3 (Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.) [2] Describing Moses as the humblest person on earth portrays someone who is a true shepherd and does not deceive people with fairy tale stories. Calling many of the stories in Genesis fairy tales sounds like the opinion of a thief and a robber who is trying to destroy the foundation of God’s word.

How Can I Recognize a False Shepherd?

 When discerning whether someone is a false shepherd, the Lord provides us with clear instructions. James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [3]

A true shepherd will uphold sound doctrines that align with the teaching of God’s word. Paul gives instructions for leaders. Titus 1:9He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.[4] This means that a faithful shepherd not only lovingly shares the truth but also addresses any errors that don’t match God’s word.

 Additionally, consider the fruits of those teachings. Jesus highlights how we can identify genuine leaders in Matthew 7:16-20 by their fruitfulness. The fruit of the Spirit marks true shepherds who should naturally reflect Christ’s love.

Spending Time with God and His Word

 As I spend time in God’s word, worship, and prayer, the Lord helps me grow in discernment and wisdom to understand what is true. Similarly, a bank teller does not study counterfeit currency but the real bills to recognize a fake. Spending time in God’s Word isn’t just about gathering more knowledge. In this information age, we’ve become experts at absorbing facts, but our faith is more than that. It’s about developing a relationship with our Savior, who is the authentic Shepherd.

Jesus tells us how the sheep should discern the danger of false shepherds. John 10:5They (sheep) won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice. [5] To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-gate

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Jesus is the Gate

Paula K. Graves

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January 28, 2026

Jesus is the Gate. He was using a common image to explain a spiritual reality. His first-century listeners would have been knowledgeable about sheep and shepherds. Those of us in the twenty-first century are not as familiar with a sheepfold and need more information.

A first-century sheepfold was a rock wall enclosure of loosely stacked stones. It protected against thieves, wolves, and other predators. These structures did not always have a gate. Many times, the shepherd himself would sleep across the opening to protect the sheep from harm. As the sheep entered the fold in the evening, the shepherd would inspect each one for any problems. Occasionally, multiple flocks would be in the sheepfold. In the morning, each shepherd would call his sheep out, and only his flock would exit and follow him because they knew his voice.

Characteristics of a Gate

Jesus was trying to explain spiritual truths to the Jewish leadership using the metaphor of a shepherd and a sheepfold. John 10: 6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. [1]

As the Gate, Jesus protected the sheep. Any predator who wanted to harm the sheep had to face Jesus first. Thus, thieves could not go through the gate but were forced to climb over the wall. Jesus also showed compassion to the sheep as they entered the gate. The narrow opening forced the sheep to enter one by one, allowing the shepherd to check for injuries or disease.

Salvation is Only Through Jesus

The gate also acted as a dividing line; either you are in or you are out. This forces a decision. When we hear the Word of Jesus, we can accept it as truth and obey, or we can choose not to. We live in a world that promotes tolerance at the expense of truth. Later, Jesus will ask the Father that all believers will follow the truth. John 17: 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.[2]

The only way to eternal life is through Jesus, the Gate. Early in His ministry, Jesus explained this to Nicodemus. It still holds true for us today. John 3: 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life… 18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.[3]

Jesus is the Gate, and as such, can save us, believers, for eternity. This salvation begins the moment we believe, and Jesus shows us good pastures even in this corrupt world. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-gate

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Jesus Goes Ahead of Us

Tom Graves

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January 27, 2026

Jesus goes ahead of us. That is a comforting thought and reveals how much He loves us. Jesus illustrates the sheep-and-shepherd relationship of going ahead, and, in a spiritual sense, this is what Jesus does in our lives. John 10:4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” [1]

When the shepherd goes before the sheep, it shows how much the sheep rely on him to lead them to the right pasture and water. In many ways, we are like sheep because we don’t know which path to take in life, but our Lord does. As He goes before us, He leads us to experience life with Him that we would not discover on our own. In fact, when we try to live without being led by our good Shepherd, we find our lives becoming an ongoing train wreck.

Giving our Free Will to God

As I have grown in my faith, I have prayed many times to surrender my free will to the Lord so He can guide my path. Perhaps you’ve done the same, or maybe the Lord is prompting you to say that prayer today. David may have been contemplating something similar. Psalm 23:1The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along the right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. [2]

As you meditate on the words David wrote, the compassion and care of the shepherd seem to come alive. Not only does the shepherd love his sheep, but the sheep love the shepherd. This is what having a relationship with Jesus is all about: we move from reluctantly letting the Shepherd lead us to genuinely desiring His guidance. In God’s infinite grace, He gives us free will, but to be led by Him, we lovingly give it back to Him so He can lead us.

God Has a Plan for Our Lives

Have you ever stopped to wonder what your life might look like if Jesus hadn’t gone before you? Remember, God has excellent plans just for you, and that is why He goes ahead of us so His plans can unfold in our lives. He knew about you even before you were born, understanding every detail—from the hairs on your head to every thought you have, and each day you’re given on this earth. It’s clear that such careful attention isn’t left to chance.

Rest assured, God’s plans for you are filled with goodness and hope. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [3] His plan is good because of the purpose it serves. It is good because of the hope it provides. But really, it is good simply because of the God who calls it so. As you go through your day, quiet your spirit, listen to the voice of the Shepherd, and follow Him, and your life will never be the same.

To learn how Jesus goes ahead of us, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-gate

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Sheep Know Their Spiritual Shepherd

Tom Graves

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January 26, 2026

Sheep know their spiritual shepherd because they have a relationship with their Savior, Jesus. In the Bible, believers are called sheep and share many of the same characteristics. There’s something about a relationship with our Savior that lets us hear His voice above the noise of everyday life, just as sheep recognize their shepherd’s voice.

Jesus provides insight into this shepherd-sheep relationship. John 10:3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.[1]

In the Middle East, a shepherd enters a busy sheepfold and personally calls out to each sheep by name. Because he spends so much time with them, they recognize his voice and feel comfortable coming to him. They know him well and trust his voice completely. Even if someone else tries to call them using the correct names, they won’t follow because they listen for that special voice they trust. As people of faith, we are the sheep of His pasture, and just as sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd, we can also identify the voice of our spiritual Shepherd.

Trusting our Shepherd

Trust develops as the shepherd cares for their sheep. Similarly, as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, our trust deepens. When I was 36, I felt the Lord calling me to change careers and become a pastor. Even though I was married with three young children and a good job, I knew I could trust the Lord even in this life-changing decision.

Perhaps you’ve experienced something similar, taking a leap of faith because you believed in your Savior’s voice. Or maybe you’re just starting your relationship with the Lord and learning to hear His voice better. If you are growing in hearing the voice of the Lord, keep spending time with Him in His word, worship, and prayer. As we do, God does something in our hearts that not only helps us hear His voice but also increases our desire to follow His guidance.

God’s Voice Leads us in the Right Direction.

A friend I went to school with was a believer, but over time drifted onto the broad road of the world. Then one day, the Lord intervened in a way that made His voice heard clearly. Responding to God’s voice, he returned to the narrow road. Like sheep, we sometimes go astray, but our Shepherd is always watching over us, caring and intervening.

I believe we would be shocked if we knew how many times the Lord had to call us back because we were wandering into danger. Not only does our Savior keep us out of danger, but knowing His voice keeps us away from the enemy who wants to lead us away from Him. John 10:8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them.[2]  If you are unsure about what to do in life, listen to the voice of the Shepherd, and He will guide your way. To learn more about how sheep know their spiritual Shepherd, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-gate

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

True Sight Begins with Jesus

Paula K. Graves

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January 25, 2026

The healed blind man discovered that true sight begins with Jesus. This man received his physical sight after Jesus had stated, “I am the Light of the World.” The healed blind man acknowledged Jesus as a prophet (John 9:17), but had not seen him until Jesus found him.

John 9: 35 When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

36 The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”

37 “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!”

38 “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus. [1]

Suddenly, everything comes into focus. Jesus is the Messiah. It doesn’t matter that the Pharisees have kicked him out of the synagogue. He had to follow the truth of who Jesus is. By doing so, he received more than anything the Pharisees could have given him.

Deceived by Their Own Blindness

The hardline Pharisees could not deny the miracle of the healing of the blind man. They preferred to stick to their man-made principles despite the evidence. Their hearts were hard, and they refused to consider new evidence or insights that conflicted with their closed system. Jesus had healed the blind man on the Sabbath; therefore, He could not be the Messiah. Their religion closed them in a system where they shut out the Light of the World.

Their hard hearts and arrogant assumptions about their law caused them to reject Jesus. They were scholars and considered themselves enlightened. But Jesus knew they were spiritually blind. John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” [2] Because they claimed to have spiritual sight, they remained guilty. We can see that those who pretend to know the truth will continue to descend into guilt and the darkness.

Receive Your Spiritual Sight

Jesus, as the Light of the World, sees and reveals our hearts and motives. A humble heart can admit our spiritual blindness. When we realize that we can’t open our eyes through anything we do, we are willing to turn to Jesus. Those who believe will receive their sight, just as the healed blind man did. However, those who think they have all the answers and ignore the Words of Jesus will remain blind to spiritual things.

There is only one way to eternal salvation, and that is through the gate of Jesus. It is He who paid the blood price for our sins on the cross. There is no way we can earn salvation through our own efforts. Just as the healed blind man had to choose between the truth of what Jesus had done or staying in the synagogue, we have a choice. We must choose between ourselves and Jesus, between light and darkness. The choice either leads to life or death.

Romans 10: 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.[3] To find out how true sight begins with Jesus, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-gate

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Why Wasn’t Jesus Arrested?

Tom Graves

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January 24, 2026

Jesus angered the Jewish leaders when He announced He was the Light of the World. Why wasn’t Jesus arrested? John 7:37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ ”[1]

God has His timing, and Scriptures clearly show that when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, it happened in His timing, not humanity’s. Just as the Father had perfect timing during Jesus’ ministry, He also has perfect timing in your life. Ecclesiastes 3:1For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.[2] It gives me great comfort to know that our loving Lord holds us in His precious hand and that timing is in His hands.

Jesus Shines His Light in God’s Timing

When Jesus told the crowd, “I am the Light of the world,” it was the Feast of Tabernacles. During this Feast, they lit large lamps in the Court of Women at the Temple to commemorate the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites through their wilderness journey. The light was so bright that it illuminated much of Jerusalem.

In claiming to be the Light of the world, Jesus described his unique role as the one true Light for everyone, not just for the Jewish people. Death brings darkness, but following Jesus is like stepping into everlasting Light.

When we come to faith and follow Jesus, we walk in that bright, guiding Light. No longer do we stumble blindly in sin. Instead, His Light shines on our faults and reminds us of our need for forgiveness. His Light gently guides us along life’s journey, leading us toward eternal life with hope and love. Because of the religious leaders’ unbelief, instead of looking to Jesus, they sought to kill Him. Yet God would not allow this because it was not His timing.

God’s Timing

You can imagine the religious leaders’ anger growing as Jesus continued to assert that He was God as they dialogued with Him. John 8:20 Jesus made these statements while he was teaching in the section of the Temple known as the Treasury. But he was not arrested, because his time had not yet come. [3] Later, in God’s timing, when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, it was the right time to die for our sins. Matthew 26:45 But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” [4]

Being guided by God’s timing is modeled by Jesus. Perhaps you’re waiting for God to open a door for a new job, heal you from a medical issue, or bring someone to faith. In the meantime, what should we do while waiting? As we wait on God’s timing, we can stay engaged with His word and prayer. Waiting on God can serve as a helpful bridge toward a deeper relationship.

Why wasn’t Jesus arrested? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-light-of-the-world

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Knowing Jesus is Knowing the Father

Paula K. Graves

no comments

January 23, 2026

Jesus argued that His claim to God as His Father was valid because knowing Jesus is knowing the Father. Jesus had just said, “I am the Light of the World.” The Pharisees heard this statement as a claim of Jesus’ divinity. According to Jewish law, it took two witnesses to prove a statement was true.

The Pharisees demanded to know where Jesus’ Father was because they wanted to question Him for themselves. They were using human standards to judge who Jesus is. They failed to understand that Jesus was speaking of the God whom they claimed to follow. They didn’t recognize who Jesus is because they didn’t know God. All they had was religion.

Jesus Explained His Relationship With the Father

John 8: 14 Jesus told them, “These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don’t know this about me. 15 You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. 16 And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. 17 Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. 18 I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”

19 “Where is your father?” they asked.

Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.”[1]

When Jesus spoke, He was speaking the very Words of God. In a sense, Jesus’ very presence forced a judgment. People had to decide for themselves whether to follow Him. Unfortunately, many rejected Jesus because they were blind to the Father.

Knowing God Through Jesus

Some would say that Jesus never answered the Pharisees’ question about where His Father was. I think Jesus didn’t want to waste His breath defending Himself, because He knew they wouldn’t listen. The Light of the World was standing in front of these Jewish leaders, and they couldn’t see it. The only people who can’t see light are blind people.

These leaders were unwilling to look beyond their traditions to acknowledge Jesus because their traditions kept them from seeking the Father. Scripture does not record that they ever sought God’s discernment about who Jesus is.

We need to learn a lesson from this. Many people have found that as they study the Words of Jesus, they realize who the Father is. When you read about Jesus, meditate on what the text shows about the character of Jesus. As you see what Jesus did as He walked the earth, we begin to understand the Father’s character and desire for each of us. Truly, knowing Jesus is knowing the Father. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-light-of-the-world

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 8:14–19). Tyndale House Publishers.

If You Follow Jesus You Won’t Walk in Darkness

Tom Graves

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January 22, 2026

If you follow Jesus, you won’t walk in darkness. Why does the world seem turned upside down because of ungodly behavior? Jesus reveals the answer to this age-old question. John 8:12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” [1]

I remember hearing the testimony of six members of a Moscow choir during a mission trip to Russia. Each man stated that, throughout most of their adult lives, they were involved in some form of dangerous illegal activity. Then, in response to the work of the Holy Spirit, they placed their faith in Jesus. Then, over time, God transformed them. During their days of criminal activity, they had walked in darkness, trying to fill an empty heart, with no avail. When they came to know Jesus, they suddenly found themselves on a different path. The good news is that no one is beyond the arm of God and His enduring love.

Transformation Can Begin Today!

Today, you may not be on the path the Lord desires for you. You might be trying to place one foot in the world and one in God’s Kingdom. Know that the Lord is calling you out of the darkness. There was a time in my life when I took a detour and became lukewarm, but in God’s mercy, He pulled me back onto the narrow road. In God’s mercy and compassion, He will do the same for you as you respond to His voice.

When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” it took place during the Feast of Tabernacles. During this time, the giant candelabra was lit in the Temple at night to remind the people of the pillar of fire that guided Israel through their wilderness journey. We cannot find our way as we journey through life without the light of Jesus to guide our path. There is no greater wisdom than letting the Lord lead you. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. [2]

Walking in the Light Leads to Eternal Life

It’s never too late to start walking in the Light that leads to eternal life in heaven. Paul writes about the wonders of heaven that make you want to sing for joy! 1 Corinthians 2:9No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. [3]

Before Apostle Paul’s conversion, he was walking in darkness and on his way to hell until Jesus intervened. It gives me great hope to know that God is my Light in this dark world, and like Paul, has called me to faith. I am truly grateful for His unconditional acceptance, despite my sins and failures. Let His encouragement give you strength to keep traveling the narrow road He has set before you by His Light.   To learn how, if you follow Jesus, you won’t walk in darkness, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-light-of-the-world

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Candle Ceremony

Paula K. Graves

no comments

January 21, 2026

Another Temple tradition that had developed during the Feast of Tabernacles was the Candle Ceremony. God had not commanded it, but the tradition pointed to God as the source of light. On the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the priests constructed three seventy-five-foot-high candles in the court of the Women of the Temple. This is an outer court where all people could come, and it is also the location of the Treasury.

These candles had several ladders on which the young priests would climb to the top to fill a reservoir with olive oil. They made the wicks from linen from the priests’ old garments. These candles provided light to all of Jerusalem.

These lights commemorated the glory of God that filled Solomon’s Temple at its dedication. 2 Chronicles 5: 14 The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God.[1] These giant lights also anticipated a time when God’s glory would return as predicted in Ezekiel 43:1-6.

Jesus’ Surprising Statement as the Lights are Extinguished

Jesus was standing and teaching near the area of the Treasury on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (John 8:20). After the priests extinguished the candles, Jesus made a surprising statement. John 8: 12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”[2]

The Pharisees, listening to this, immediately knew that Jesus had claimed to be the Messiah. They knew the prophecies of Messiah. Isaiah 49: 6 He says,“You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”[3] As 21st-century Christians, we miss this because we do not understand the Feast of Tabernacles and the context in which Jesus made this statement.

Let Tradition Point to Jesus

The Candle Ceremony reminded the people of what God had done for them in the past. Jesus did not condemn this tradition but used it to point to His identity. When Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World,” He was stating a fact in the present tense. God wanted to give them the Light of Life. While there was physical light in the Temple, there was spiritual darkness in the Pharisees’ minds and hearts.

The Jews at the Temple were correct to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles because God had commanded it. But sadly, in their traditions, they missed the Son of God who wanted to give them spiritual light. We must let our traditions always point to Jesus. We may begin a tradition with the best of intentions to honor God. However, if our focus ever drifts away from God, it is time to stop the tradition.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-light-of-the-world

[1-3]Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. 

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