The Light of the World

Intro

*Open with story about drumline initiations in the dark (with Hanson)*

*Refer to preaching in the dark*

These times are disconcerting; we don’t love darkness; we need to see

John masterfully uses the imagery of light and darkness to begin to explain more about the Word

Last week, we learned that the Word (Jesus) is divine

Participates in creation, revelation and deliverance

This week, we will learn that the Word (Jesus) is the light of the world

Read John 1:4 - 9 and pray

The Light Shines in the Darkness

John continues to teach using the theme of Creation

Genesis 1 = “Darkness was over the face of the deep” and God said, “Let there be light.”

John 1 = The light shines in the darkness

Light and darkness are common metaphors for good and evil (especially in John’s writings)

Light = good, holiness, purity, warmth, the presence of God

Remember that there is no need of the sun or moon in the New Creation because the light is supplied by the Lord God

Darkness is the antithesis = evil, sin, impurity, coldness, lack of the presence of God

Kind of like how it feels outside at 4:30 PM every day now in winter.... *facepalm*

We seem these themes all throughout Scripture, in other religious texts, and also in fantasy books

Light versus darkness is a theme that tugs on our souls

Light and darkness are incompatible and in constant conflict

Re-read John 1:5.

Katalambano = “to seize,” “to light upon,” “to understand,” “to hold fast”

The darkness did not understand/comprehend the light

*Oil and water analogy*

Spiritual ignorance needing revelation

The darkness did not overcome the light

*Frodo and Galadriel analogy*

Spiritual warfare with a clear victor: The light always wins

We Walk in the Light

The light of Jesus guides our path to life

Cf. John 12:35 - 36.

The one who walks in darkness does not know where he is going (spiritual ignorance)

On the other hand, when we walk in the light, Jesus guides our steps

Help us discern what is right and wrong, what His plans may be for our us, how to view others with His eyes, etc.

Darkness still threatens to “overtake” the disciples

“Overtake” = same word as “overcome in John 1:5.

This speaks to the conflict; we have victory in the light of Jesus when we walk in the light

Walking in the light is the practical, everyday experience of living out our faith

Not a belief, or worldview, or a prayer. How we live (walk) matters

Cf. 1 John 2:8-11.

What is the evidence of the light here? That we would love our brothers and sisters

Just as the evidence of darkness is hatred towards others

The Christmas season provides ample opportunities to “walk in the light” by displaying love for others

OCC shoeboxes, Christmas hampers, gifts for friends and family, how we treat friends and family at gatherings, etc.

Do your actions reveal that you are walking in the light? Or in darkness?

The Light Shines for Everyone

John describes the Word (Jesus) as “the light of men”

Really ought to be gender inclusive = “the light of humanity”

In verse 9, Jesus is also described as “the true light, which gives light to everyone”

This is good news for… everyone! Not just the Jews, but the Gentiles too

Cf. Luke 2:10.

ALL the people (Jesus exceeded the expectations of the Jewish Messiah)

But should we be surprised? God had left lots of notes in the prophets that this was always His plan

Cf. Isaiah 49:6.

Israel was called to be God’s light to the nations (city on a hill)

Jesus fulfilled Israel’s calling as the true light for all people, to the ends of the earth

If this light is for everyone, than the worst thing we can do is keep it a secret

We Bear Witness to the Light

The Apostle John (author of the Gospel) makes the interesting choice to include the role and ministry of John the Baptist

Almost an interruption of thought (happens again in verse 15)

Why? To highlight his role in bearing witness to the light (Jesus)

John the Baptist preached the repentance of sins and prepared the people to receive Jesus as the Messiah… and as the light of the world

He was charismatic and compelling; led to uncertainty if he was himself the Messiah

Which John vehemently denied; when his disciples started following Jesus he declared, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30)

John selflessly pointed people to Jesus

Guess what? We are also called to bear witness to the light

John the Baptist had a unique calling

Fulfilled the prophecy in Malachi 3.

But we are also called, by Jesus Himself

Remember, called the disciples to become “sons of light” in John 12.

Even more clear call in Matthew 5:14-16.

John 1 tells us Jesus is the light of the world, now Jesus tells His followers that WE are the light of the world

This is the light of Christ, shining through us to the watching world

The Christmas season also presents us many opportunities to bear witness to the light

Invite friends, family, or neighbours to the Men’s Feast, SS Concert or Xmas Eve Service

When appropriate, share the real meaning of the Christmas season with those caught up in the busyness and consumerism of it all

Our call has the same goal as John the Baptist’s: That all might believe [in Jesus] through us

Conclusion

Jesus is the true light of the world

Darkness cannot comprehend Him, and cannot overcome Him

It tried at the cross, but that sealed the victory for the light

Our response is to walk in the light

Live as active followers of Jesus, obeying His commands and following His example

The true light of the world is for everyone

John the Baptist came to testify about Jesus and point people to Him

He must increase, and I must decrease

Likewise, we are given the task to be the light of the world, and point people to Jesus (the true light)

This is our constant objective, and can transform lives this Christmas