The Light That Changes Everything

What do you do when the lights come on? You see clearly. You see what was hidden. You see where to go. That’s exactly what Jesus means when He says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

In this message from Pastor Jeff Lane, we’re reminded that how we respond to Jesus—the light of the world—determines our destiny. It’s not just a theological idea. It’s a life-altering truth.

Pastor Jeff tells the story of Charles Colson, a man who went from being one of President Nixon’s most notorious “hatchet men” during the Watergate scandal to a transformed follower of Jesus. Convicted by the truth of God’s Word, Colson’s life turned around entirely. He surrendered to the light, and from that light, he was given new purpose and a mission: to bring hope to prisoners and defend the Christian faith. That’s what the light of Christ does—it exposes our sin and then guides us into new life.

Jesus doesn’t just reveal; He restores. He guides. He leads. But not everyone recognizes His authority. In John 8, the religious leaders questioned and challenged Him, revealing their spiritual blindness. They didn’t realize that the one speaking to them wasn’t just a good teacher—He was the Son of God, declaring the message of the Father and offering eternal life.

The truth is, many today are still spiritually blind. They don’t recognize Jesus’ authority or the power of the cross. But Jesus came to open blind eyes—to shine light into our dark hearts and show us a new way to live.

Here are four truths from John 8 to reflect on this week:

1. Jesus is the Light of the World – He reveals sin, guides our steps, and brings us out of darkness.

2. Jesus is our Authority – He speaks not from opinion, but from the Father. We must submit to His voice.

3. Jesus Gives Life – Without Him, we remain in our sin. But with Him, we find forgiveness and eternal hope.

4. Jesus Declares the Father’s Message – On the cross, He proclaimed God’s love for sinners, offering grace to all who believe.

C.S. Lewis once said, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen—not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” Jesus is that sun—He lights up the truth about God, about us, and about the world around us.

This week, don’t just admire the light—walk in it. Let His truth shape your decisions. Let His presence guide your relationships. Let His message overflow from your life.

Because when you come to Jesus, you don’t walk in darkness anymore. You walk in the light that changes everything.