Scholar and historian Will Durant wrote11 volumes titled The Story Of Civilization. Across the pages of that monumental work moves a procession of the world’s outstanding persons—rulers, philosophers, military heroes, artists, scientists, and explorers.

When someone spends his life studying history and keeping company with the most influential men and women of all time, his appraisal of famous people is worthy of respect. And in Durant’s opinion, Jesus of Nazareth stands out above all others.

From a human standpoint, Jesus was a young Jew who was crucified as a criminal in first-century Israel. He never commanded an army, ruled a nation, wrote a book, or did any of the other things that are regarded as significant achievements. Yet that young Jew had the audacity to declare, “I am the light of the world” (Jn. 8:12). And 20 centuries later, people are still following His light and being delivered “from the power of darkness” (Col. 1:13).

What place does Jesus occupy in your life? Jesus said, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (Jn. 8:12). Are you obediently and faithfully following Him and walking in that light?