Love and Light

John 3:14–21 ESV

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Introduction

Imagine a weary traveler navigating through a dense forest at the cusp of nightfall.

The path is uncertain, the darkness slowly enveloping all sense of direction.

In the distance, a flicker of light pierces through the gloom—a beacon from a distant lantern.

This light becomes their hope, their guide to safety.

This image mirrors our journey through life's wilderness, seeking the light amidst our darkest moments.

Today, as we delve into John 3:14-21, we explore the profound themes of love and light, and how they guide us from condemnation to salvation.

We will look at that old, familiar passage of John 3:16 which, I’m guessing, many or most of you can recite from memory.

We’ll also reflect on the transformative power of God's love and the illuminating truth of His light in our lives.

Moses in the Wilderness and Christ (John 3:14)

John 3:14 ESV

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

The Old Testament passage that Jesus al

Numbers 21:4–9 ESV

From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

The Bronze Serpent

Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.

The bronze serpent was a symbol of healing for the Israelites.

In their moment of rebellion and suffering, it was through looking upon the symbol that they found restoration.

In a similar manner, Christ's crucifixion is our symbol of ultimate healing.

By being lifted up on the cross, He offers salvation to all who look to Him in faith.

Condemnation

John 3:15–18 ESV

that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it through Him.

Notice that this is a universal promise.

It is no longer to a particular people or nation, but is instead promised to whoever believes.

Often, the concept of condemnation is misunderstood.

It's not about divine rejection but about the choice we make in response to God's offer of salvation.

C.S. Lewis once famously stated in The Great Divorce that nobody is condemned who does not wish for it to be so.

The offer of God is universal.

Our decision to receive it is particular to each person.

If we believe and receive, we receive all the gifts of the kingdom.

If we choose otherwise, we have chosen for ourselves condemnation.

It’s not God deciding it for us. It’s us deciding it for ourselves.

Belief in Jesus is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust that changes our stance from condemnation to salvation.

The Love for Darkness (John 3:19)

John 3:19 ESV

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

This verse speaks to a profound truth about the human condition – the preference for darkness over the light because of our deeds.

Darkness, in this context, symbolizes our sins and the aspects of our lives we wish to hide from God's purifying light.

The love for darkness is ultimately a choice that reflects our resistance to being exposed and transformed by the truth.

Sin and world pull strongly, do they not?

How many of you think you’re going to get through the end of this day with having some temptation toward wordiness?

We all do, but there is GOOD news!

The Truth Seekers Coming to the Light (John 3:20-21)

John 3:20–21 ESV

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their works have been carried out in God.

You know I met an Airman this week who is working through maters of faith, and he deeply wants to believe but he’s stuck on a few issues that we are working through together.

He asked me what he should do and I told him to just keep moving, sometimes even trudging, toward the light he has received.

See, I know that the light at the end is Jesus.

He’s not there yet, but I trust that in the light of Christ he will find his way, so he just needs to kep following that light.

Coming to the light requires courage.

It means allowing our lives to be open before God, trusting that His light will not condemn but purify and renew.

There is a profound joy and freedom in living a life that seeks the truth, one that is not afraid of being exposed because it relies on God's grace for transformation.

Application

Examining Our Preference: As we reflect on this passage, let us examine our own preferences.

Are we clinging to darkness or are we willing to step into the light of Christ's truth and love?

Do we wish to remain as we are, or do we want to be purified?

If you haven’t taken the step of reciving Jesus, I encourage you to keep walking that path and, as soon as you know, embrace him.

Embrace Healing: Like the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent, let us look to Christ for our healing.

Let His sacrifice remind us of the life-giving power of faith.

Live in Truth: May we become people who love and pursue truth, allowing ourselves to be transformed by the light of Christ.

Conclusion

In closing, we are invited into a journey of reflection and transformation.

As we continue to navigate the season of Lent, may we find in it a calling to move from darkness into the glorious light of Christ

May we pursue tha savior in whom true healing, salvation, and freedom are found.

Let us embrace the love of God that lifts us up, out of condemnation and into the radiant truth of His grace. Amen.

Let Us Pray: Heavenly Father, we draw near to Your radiant presence, reminded of Your boundless love and the light You bring into our world. As we reflect on the journey of Moses in the wilderness and the salvation story through Your Son, Jesus Christ, help us to understand the depth of Your love and the call to live in Your light. Teach us to shun the shadows of condemnation and embrace the truth that sets us free. Guide our steps towards actions that reflect Your love, and open our hearts to the joy of living in Your truth. In Your grace, may we find the strength to come into the light, bearing our lives as a testament to Your transformative love. Amen.

Hymn of Reflection: Love Divine, All Love Excelling