This post was last updated on June 6, 2026

Day 60 (Year 2)

Believing in and Following Jesus  

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life…. I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.'” (John 8:12, 12:46 NASB)

Early in the Gospel of John, “light of men” is introduced (1:4). Later in the book, Jesus clearly declares that He Himself is the Light of life. The word “follow” in today’s first scripture comes from the Greek word akoloutheo, meaning “to follow one who precedes, accompany him, become or be his disciple, or side with his party.” Only by following Jesus, being led by Him, and learning together with other disciples in mutual support can we leave behind the world’s darkness and death, and walk on the path of His life and light. In other words, though there is darkness in the world, there is also light to be found. Indeed, if anyone does not truly submit to Jesus, whatever life remains in him or her will gradually fade away.

Today’s first verse clearly states that those who follow Jesus will not walk in darkness but will receive the Light of life. Conversely, those who do not follow Him walk in darkness. This implies that the world as a whole lies in darkness, although Jesus did mention that John the Baptist was a burning and shining lamp (John 5:35). This means that He admitted there might be other lights in the world. However, only we who follow the Lord receive the Light of life, because even John the Baptist himself was not the Light itself.

People usually need to know a master well before they can truly trust and follow him or her. Likewise, we must come to know Jesus deeply to believe in and follow Him wholeheartedly. Faith in Jesus is a process that requires careful learning and actions that are worthy of the faith. It is important to note that if some people come to know Jesus but do not act in faith, whatever faith they once had may gradually disappear. Furthermore, many materials talk about Jesus, yet do little to build true faith and sometimes even undermine it. This is because they present an inaccurate or distorted image of Him. So, believers must exercise discernment and avoid such misleadings. These false or distorted teachings often appear truthful and may satisfy human desires, yet they contradict biblical truth. Thus, we must diligently study the Bible and seek reliable companions in faith for mutual support and encouragement, so that we may walk steadily on the glorious path of following Jesus.

Reflection questions:  

1) According to today’s scriptures, do you think believing in Jesus and following Him are the same thing? Why?  

2) What other essential conditions, beyond those mentioned above, do you think are necessary to walk on Jesus’ path of light successfully?