Luke 11:33-36

Let your Light Shine

Childrens Lesson - in the ancient world this would have been a candle or an oil lamp

Shining Bright: Be the Light in a Dark World

Bible Passage: Luke 11:29-36

Summary: In this passage, Jesus addresses the crowd, warning them about seeking signs and comparing His ministry to that of Jonah. He emphasizes the importance of eyes that are good, which represent spiritual insight and understanding in receiving His message. The call is to be a light, not just to seek signs or miraculous proof.

Application: This sermon can help Christians recognize the importance of being a source of light and hope in a world filled with darkness and despair. It challenges the audience to reflect on how they live their lives as representatives of Christ, encouraging them to engage with their communities actively and meaningfully as reflectors of God's light.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that faith is not solely based on signs and wonders but on a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. It emphasizes the responsibility that believers have to live as lights in the world, influencing others positively and drawing them towards the truth of the gospel.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is ultimately the fulfillment of the 'light' that dispels darkness. Just as Jonah was a sign for the Ninevites, Jesus, in His death and resurrection, becomes the ultimate sign for humanity, calling all to repentance and faith. His light brings life to a dying world, demonstrating God's redemptive plan through scripture.

Big Idea: Believers are called to embody the light of Christ, transforming the darkness around them through authentic faith and action, reflecting God’s truth amidst a world in need of His guidance.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Jonah’s story and its implications for understanding Jesus’ mission. Utilize Logos to delve into commentaries that discuss the imagery of light and darkness in biblical literature. Additionally, look into the nuances of the Greek text in Luke 11:34-36 to unpack the meaning of having 'good' eyes and how it relates to a believer’s perspective in the world.

1. The Sign of Jonah

Luke 11:29-30

Jesus discusses the crowd's demand for a sign.

The Gospel of Luke 5.3.1.4. The Sign of Jonah (11:29-36)

Just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh by means of his divine rescue, so Jesus will become a sign to this generation by means of his.

The Gospel of Luke 5.3.1.4. The Sign of Jonah (11:29-36)

Just as Jonah proclaimed repentance to the people prior to their judgment, so does Jesus.

Jesus told us that Jonah became a sign, and Jesus would be a similar sign to His generation. Jonah gave his life to appease the wrath of God coming upon others. But death did not hold him; after three days and nights of imprisonment, he was alive and free (Guzic)

Jesus Himself is the greatest sign.

He refers to the 'Sign of Jonah,' pointing to the resurrection as the ultimate testament of His divine mission. This offers believers a strong foundation for faith, revealing Christ as the light that conquers all darkness. This begins the call for believers to be luminous signs of hope and truth in their communities, just as Jesus is for the world.

2. See the Wisdom

Luke 11:31-32

You could discuss Jesus' mention of the Queen of the South and the people of Nineveh as examples of those who recognized God's presence and repented. Maybe emphasize the importance of recognizing Jesus as the true wisdom and light, urging believers to live in such a way that prompts others to question and turn towards Christ. This illustrates Christ’s call for believers to embody His light, becoming agents of change and influencing the world around them through genuine faith and action.

The Gospel of Luke 5.3.1.4. The Sign of Jonah (11:29-36)

The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon and found that he was indeed an agent of Yahweh, having been placed on the throne by him; having acknowledged his divine legitimacy, she enters into an alliance with him, signified by the mutual exchange of gifts

The Gospel of Luke 5.3.1.4. The Sign of Jonah (11:29-36)

Both the queen of Sheba and the people of Nineveh, Jesus says, will participate in the resurrection and in eschatological judgment, where their status as the people of God will be manifested in their judgment of the recalcitrant of Israel.

Luke Jesus Warns Against Unbelief / 11:29–32 / 136

Jesus was giving his listeners—and far less than people have today, with eyewitness reports of the risen Jesus, the continuing power of the Holy Spirit unleashed at Pentecost, easy access to the Bible, and knowledge

Luke Jesus Warns Against Unbelief / 11:29–32 / 136

The cruel, warlike men of Nineveh, capital of Assyria, repented at the proclamation of Jonah—even though Jonah did not care about them. The pagan Queen of the South (Sheba) had praised the God of Israel when she had heard Solomon’s wisdom, although Solomon was full of faults. By contrast, Jesus, the perfect Son of God, something greater than Jonah, had come to people whom he loved dearly—but they were rejecting him.

3. Shine Boldly

Luke 11:33

Christ calls us not to hide our light but to let it shine for all to see. You could suggest that believers should actively and boldly live their faith, refusing to allow fear or societal pressure to dim their witness. Jesus' teaching encourages openness and visibility in sharing God's truth with others. This sermon point underscores the significance of being visible bearers of the light of Christ, reflecting His glory in all areas of life.

Luke Jesus Teaches About the Light Within / 11:33–36 / 137

The “lamp” is Christ’s message, and “light” is the truth of his revelation and guidance (11:33); the “eye” represents spiritual understanding and insight that are filtered through the “good” or the “bad” in a person

Luke Jesus Teaches About the Light Within / 11:33–36 / 137

When eyes are good, that is, when they are operating properly, the illumination makes it easy for the body to function. Those with “good eyes” are those true disciples who listen and respond to Jesus’ guidance. By contrast, when eyes are bad, that is, when they are not operating properly, the result is impaired functioning for the rest of the body. Those with “bad eyes” are those who reject Jesus’ words; all they have is the darkness and futility of their own evil ways

4. Stay Spiritually Sighted

Luke 11:34-36

Luke Jesus Teaches About the Light Within / 11:33–36 / 137

direction, empty and without love, boring and without purpose, common and without creativity, dull and without challenge, or transient and without hope …

Then switch on the light, God’s Word. It will direct you toward a wonderful goal, it is full of love for you, it suggests lots of important work to challenge your gifts and talents, and it points to eternal life—God’s generous promise to you.

Amy Munn - If you life with Jesus is boring, you are doing something wrong

New Living Translation Chapter 11

Luke 11:34

Illustration: A candle left under a bowl will eventually burn out

“If you do not see Jesus, it is not because he has hidden himself in darkness, but because your eyes are blinded.”

(Spurgeon)

Consider how Jesus speaks about the eye being the lamp of the body, a metaphor for spiritual insight. You could propose that believers maintain 'good' eyes—eyes fixed on Christ—which illuminate their spiritual path and influence their actions. When believers truly focus on Jesus, they become radiant lights in a dark world. This reflects the necessity for believers to be vigilant about their spiritual health, ensuring they reflect Christ's light brilliantly to those around them.

We can forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.

Plato