Jesus, the Light of the World

Greetings, fellow acolytes,

You are an acolyte, after all. Whether or not you have served in worship as the one lighting the candles or assisting at the altar, you are an acolyte. Even if you have no desire to serve in this particular way, nevertheless you are an acolyte.

An acolyte is a follower. (The word comes from the Greek word meaning “to follow, accompany, escort.”) As a follower of Jesus, then, you are an acolyte. As an acolyte, you follow Jesus and bear His light in this world darkened by sin.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,

‘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

There is much about life in this sin-darkened world that can unnerve, disorient, and frighten us, but Jesus is our Light who brightens our lives. We can even walk through the valley of the shadow of death without fear since He walks with us. His presence brings us peace, even as a child waking from a nightmare is comforted by his father turning on the lights.

We experience His peace, personally, and we live in His peace, together. Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, prophesied this:

“By the tender mercy of our God,

the dawn from on high will break upon us,

to give light to those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

– Luke 1:78-79

As acolytes of Jesus, we are called to follow Him in the way of peace. Jesus’ light shines in us and we shine His light in the world. So it is that Jesus, who called Himself the light of the world, also calls us the light of the world:

“You are the light of the world…

let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works

and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

– Matthew 5: 14, 16

How will you, as an acolyte of Jesus, shine your light before others today? How will you walk in the way of peace?

The Lord be with you.

Pastor Mike