Following the Light: Seeing Jesus in Our Own Day

Sometimes, when we’re deep in study, or maybe we’ve just come back from a mission and the sheer weight of the gospel feels both exhilarating and overwhelming, we need a reminder of the source. We need to remember the Light.

I was recently looking back at the Gospel of John, and it struck me how much the narrative centers on *seeing*. Seeing the Light in the darkness, seeing the Savior even when we can’t fully grasp His divinity. It’s a powerful reminder that the gospel isn't just a set of doctrines we memorize; it’s a living reality that illuminates everything.

The account, especially John the Baptist preparing the way, is rich with profound theological weight. John points constantly to someone greater, someone who *was* and *is* the Word. He’s the perfect example of a disciple who points others—and himself—toward the true center of the gospel.

This is such a vital principle for us as we serve as internet missionaries and disciples everywhere. We aren't meant to be the destination; we are meant to be the signposts pointing to the Savior. We are the voices crying in the wilderness, preparing the path.

The Word Made Flesh: A Constant Source

What stands out to me most is the declaration: “The Word was in the beginning, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” That divine, eternal source—the Word—came into the world. It’s the ultimate source of life and truth. And notice how John says, “John was not the light, but came to bear witness concerning the light.”

Isn't that a beautiful pattern for our own lives? We are not the light. We are the channels. We are the vessels through which the Spirit testifies of the Savior. We can be diligent in our own study, we can share our testimonies, we can even teach doctrine, but the power, the truth, the *Light*—that comes from Him alone. It’s a humbling thought that grounds us for the work.

If you’ve been feeling bogged down in the details of your own efforts—the comps, the study materials, the planning for the next missionary discussion—take a moment today to remember that the power to change hearts comes from the Spirit, which testifies of the Light. It’s not our eloquence; it’s the Spirit testifying through us.

This echoes so much of what we learn in our missionary preparation. We learn to be humble, to listen more than we speak, and to let the Spirit guide our conversation.

Being Christlike: Our Daily Assignment

The disciples in the narrative—Andrew, Peter, and the others—didn't just *hear* about Jesus; they *followed* Him. They saw the Spirit descend like a dove, and they followed the Cordero de Deus. Following isn't passive; it’s an active choice to move in the direction of the Light.

As we navigate our own lives—whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake, or simply having a quiet afternoon studying scripture at home—our assignment is to be actively following Him. It means being willing to be the voice in the desert, ready to point others toward the One who is more important than us.

If you are feeling the call to deepen your personal study, I highly recommend diving into the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. Sometimes seeing how others are wrestling with the same passages—how they are highlighting verses or connecting them to related panels—can spark a revelation that a solo reading just can't touch. It’s a beautiful way to build community discipleship!

For those of you who are feeling the pull toward deeper doctrinal understanding, check out the latest Book Club discussions on the Book of John. It’s a wonderful way to keep that momentum going!

Keep studying, keep sharing, and remember: we are all disciples, wherever we are.