The Light That Never Fades
May 13, 2025 - Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
John 10:22–30
Imagine it’s winter. The days are short, the nights long, and the cold seems to stretch forever. Then, suddenly, the light begins to return—bit by bit, day by day. That’s what the Jewish people celebrated in the Feast of Dedication, also known as the Feast of Lights. It marked the moment when they took back their temple from foreign rulers, tore down the idols, and rededicated it to God. It was a celebration of light winning over darkness, and of worship being restored.
Fast forward about 200 years—and Jesus is walking in the temple during that very feast. The people around him ask, “Are you the Christ? Just tell us plainly!” They wanted clarity. They wanted power. They wanted a Messiah who would fight their battles and set up a kingdom just for them. But Jesus doesn’t give them what they expect.
That’s because Jesus didn’t come just to win—He came to shine. Not to take down armies, but to break through darkness. Not to build a political kingdom, but to bring people from everywhere into God’s family. That’s what the title “Christ” really means—not just a warrior king, but the Chosen One, the Light of the world.
And here’s the amazing part: Jesus is the new temple. Not a building, but a person. He shows us what true worship looks like—not fancy rituals, but a life of love, truth, and sacrifice. And just like the temple was rededicated, Jesus invites us to rededicate our lives—to clear out whatever false stuff might be crowding our hearts and make space for God again.
Sometimes we want Jesus to show up in big, obvious ways—to fix everything, to end all our problems. But Jesus works differently. He speaks through love. Through forgiveness. Through the quiet confidence of someone who knows they are held in His hands.
“My sheep hear my voice,” He says, “and I know them.” He’s not just talking about sheep—He’s talking about you. He knows your name. He sees your struggles. And He promises: No one can take you out of His hand.
So in this season of light, remember: Jesus didn’t just bring a little hope. He is hope. He’s the light that never fades, the temple that can’t be torn down, the Christ who loves without limits.
Rededicate your heart. Let His light in. And then, go and shine.