Then Jesus said, “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness.” The Pharisees were immediately offended and said, “You’re just boasting about yourself! Since we only have your word on this, it makes your testimony invalid!” Jesus responded, “Just because I am the one making these claims doesn’t mean they are invalid. For I absolutely know who I am, where I’ve come from, and where I’m going.
John 8:12-14a TPT
The action word contained within this passage is as the title suggests, walk.
When children are little and learning to walk, you grab their hands to assist their steps and hold them steady. You teach them to trust you—that you will not put them in harm’s way and that you want the best and safest way for them.
As they grow in confidence and take those steps for themselves you allow for the stumbles and falls, especially while their heads are so much heavier than the rest of their bodies. And they walk!
It becomes muscle memory, walking is just something they can do without thinking, and they begin to follow you a little less willingly—the desire to go their own way—quite strong.
They need to figure it out on their own, and we let them.
Walking the path of Obedience to Jesus is much the same, we learn to walk out our own life of faith, walk through the trials of life, and walk in obedience even as we harbour the desire to go our own way.
Look at what Jesus said: “For I absolutely know who I am, where I’ve come from, and where I’m going.”
Perhaps, it’s the context we need for the beginning of the passage…
He was walking the path the Father had set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2) He walked, forged the way, and became the saviour we needed—knowing where the path would lead. But, also what would be won by walking!
“I am” God Himself with a life-giving light.
Now it’s up to you and me—walk.
And this is His promise, “they will never (double negative: never, no never) be driven (pushed) by the darkness.”[1]
You will walk and not be pushed, you won’t turn back in fear, and you will embrace Him as He provides the life-giving light you need when the path grows dark. You follow the God who knows where He is going.
Joy becomes the companion in your life of faith, is there really anything better?
[1] as translated from Aramaic; The Passion Translation