Everybody loves a good story. Some of the most delightful people I know are those who tell stories about themselves, in such a way that doesn’t self-aggrandize, but entertains and, in some cases, even enlightens.
Such was the case with Jesus. He told good stories, not only about others, as in parables, but also about Himself, as in His testimony in today’s passage: 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). This was said, not in a way which amplified Himself, but amplified God and the truth of His Word. For when challenged by those who thought these words were simple pride, Jesus responded, I testify on My own behalf, and the Father Who sent Me testifies on My behalf (John 8:18). Because of His relationship with the Father, Who had earlier testified about Jesus saying, You are my Son, the Beloved; with You I am well pleased (Luke 3:22), Jesus could simply say of His testimony, My testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going (John 8:14).
Could you say this of yourself, and of Jesus? Can you honestly say “Jesus is the light of the world. As I follow Him I will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life”? And, though challenged by those who have known you well enough to know your faults and failures, could you still say “my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going”? This is what Jesus promises for those who follow Him. Because of Him, they will have a testimony, a wonderful story of how He has brought them out of darkness into His marvelous light, such that they know where they came from and where they are going, with Him.
So take up your story, your testimony. Learn to tell it well, that others may not only see the good you do, but give glory to the One who has made it all possible. And, if you don’t have this testimony yet, come to Jesus the Light today, that He might replace your darkness with His Light.