Friday 23rd August
Read John 12:44-46
“Then Jesus cried out, ‘Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (NIVUK)
Traditionally an emissary or messenger represents fully the one who sent him. They can speak on behalf of the one who sends, and what they say is binding. Jesus, at the conclusion of His ministry spells out the full implications of His claim to be the sent One. He is so closely identified with the Father, that when people look at Jesus, they see the Father.
The idea of image and light, the invisible made visible in Jesus, revealed fully (as a light) is obviously something the early church remembered Jesus saying. Consider how Paul reminds the Colossians of just such links when speaking of what Jesus has done in granting them a ‘share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.’ (Colossians 1:12b-15) (NIVUK).
That is the very invitation Jesus is making on the eve of His death. Light for darkness, revealed and fulfilled in Him.
