Yeshua [Jesus] spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. The one who follows Me will no longer walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12, TLV

What if?   Novelists looking for inspiration and seekers of knowledge commonly ask the same question: What if? There have been a few “what ifs” about light tumbling inside my brain for some time.

In today’s verse, the apostle John once again uses the imagery of light. In the past, we have spoken about how John was the only writer of the Gospels who mentioned Hanukkah (the Feast of Dedication — sometimes called the Feast of Lights (John 10:22-23) where the Temple was restored from the pagan Seleucids’ abuse and rededicated to the service of GOD.

Part of that rededication would no doubt be to relight the menorah — the 7 branched-lampstand. The lamp that was to burn continually — morning, noon, and night (Leviticus 24:1-4).

What if John as he meditated on the Scriptures (Genesis through to Malachi), saw a connection between Yeshua — the Light of the World — and the foreshadow of GOD’s hand in the lives of the Jewish people? The fact that John mentions that Yeshua spoke to them again about it, is interesting.

ADONAI [the LORD] went before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead the way and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light. So they could travel both day and night. Exodus 13:21, TLV

What if Jesus was always the light of the world? Or that part of Jesus that was separate, yet One with the Father before He came to earth and was known as Yeshua? What if as the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night, He led the Children of Israel through the desert? And what if the importance of the menorah being lit 24/7 was a symbol of what was to come into the hearts of the Father’s redeemed children? His Light in the world’s darkness, guiding us. Protecting us.

Do you have any “what ifs” about this passage? Or any other passages that tumble around your heart? I’d love to hear about them in the comment section below.

Thanks for letting me have some fun.