I’m afraid of the dark. Are you? Our home has a night-light in almost every room. I’m proud to say a small plane could land safely with the lighting we have. What is it about darkness that’s so frightening? Is it the fear of the unknown or being unable to see? 

The fear of being unable to see describes many of the Jews at Jesus’ time. They couldn’t see that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

This passage from Matthew cites directly from Isaiah to show Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies: “The people living in darkness have seen a great light” (4:16). But the Jews who prided themselves on Moses and the Prophets couldn’t see the connection—Jesus is the Light.

Now before I jump all over them, I have to admit I too can’t always see the Savior in the Scriptures. I let doubt or my to-do list cloud me from seeing Jesus for who he truly is. My concerns, worries, and sinful habits block my vision of seeing Jesus as the fulfiller of prophecy; the light in my dark world; the Savior of all; the forgiver of my sins; the One who stretched out his arms to die for me, to reach for me, and to tell me all will work out for my good. To Jesus the Light of the world, I say thank you and pray for the strength to shine to others in the dark who need to know who he really is. 

Know anyone who could use some light?