The Revealing Light of God

Introduction

In our solar system, the sun is nearly 93 million miles away. That’s a long long way, in fact, It’s so far away that it takes light about 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach us, to brighten our world and give light to allow our eyes to see. So, the great, mighty, and powerful sun, despite it’s might and effect on all things, it does not have the might, the power, and the greatness to have an immediate effect on anything anywhere. Yes, it has an effect, but as any farmer will tell you, one cloudy day is not going to destroy your crop. The son’s light is very important, but it doesn’t have the immediate power that The Light of God does. It doesn’t have the power of the truth of God. It doesn’t have the power of the goodness of God. It doesn’t have the power that the forgiveness of God does. It doesn’t even come close to any kind or example of power that God does. As true as this, it’s a truth that we can not know about, ignore, and/or forget. And, even for the most seasoned and mature believer, one that can lose sight of that fact, and find themselves in a predicament. A predicament that we all find ourselves in, a predicament where we find ourselves loving and worshiping something over God almighty Himself. There is good news however, yes we mess up, but God doesn’t want us to stay blind to this. No, He has provided a light to us, to reveal, show, heal, and forgive us of these faults, that light is Jesus, and His light shines and reveals a great many truths on ourselves and the persons of God; so we should take heed to what He reveals and move appropriately.

Prayer

Father God, we thank You for Who You are. A great Big God who sees each and every one of us here and cares deeply about us. We ask this day, as we are continuing in this time of worship to You, reading Your Word and hearing Your Word, that You refine us with it. Mold us, make us, shape us, rearrange us so that we can be more like You, and made more into the image of Christ. Help us be a people who love You and love others so much that we are moved into action by whatever it is You are going to show us about Yourself today and what that means in our lives. Help us do this, because all too often our selfish and sinless flesh war against our will to follow Yours. As we are doing this, and as we are coming into Your Word today, we ask that You take away any distraction that we may have, and make it go as far away as it possibly can, because we want to see and we want to know You better. I ask these things for your glory and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.

Context

Today we begin a sermon series through the Gospel of John. I expect this series to take up the lion’s share of our year. So, if you would please begin adding the gospel of John to your regular bible reading, following along and becoming familiar with the text already before we come together on Sunday mornings.

The gospel of John itself, was written by the Apostle John, one of the disciples and apostles of Jesus, in fact of the closest 3 to Jesus. John himself, was the brother of the other member of the inner 3, James and is also otherwise known as one of the “sons of zebedee,” one of the “sons of thunder,” and “the beloved apostle. When you see those names, be aware that it is this John we are speaking. It’s important to make this distinction, as John was a common enough name in that time, and we see other important characters named John, even in the first chapter of this gospel, come onto the scene.

John wrote this gospel in the late 1st century AD, certainly between 70ad and 100ad, but more likely between 85 and 95ad; to a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles. John would go on to also write the epistles of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John and as well as the prophetic book Revelation. This Gospel of John, is in and of itself in a genre known as “The Gospels.” It contains true stories as observed about the person and work of Jesus, much a biography would in our modern day. In this genera, it certainly is related to the area of history, but we also remember that inside this historical text, we see the characters telling stories and giving examples for illustration, and simply put anything you might think to come across in your own real life, songs, stories, poems, hard black and white facts included as well, so in interpreting a Gospel, it is important to take in large chunks of texts to understand the context and then find the application in the text for yourself.

In today’s text, there are many applications that can come out of these weighty verses, but one that stuck out to me is the idea that shows and we need to understand and know that, Jesus’ light shines and reveals many unseen things. Yes, this statement is one that can makes sense when said and one i’m sure everyone in the room can easily agree with, but it comes to head with each of us often, as often those, “unseen things” that need the light shown on them in our own lives are so well established and so normally, that it would never cross our minds that it either was and is sin and needed to reveal to us. This has been a common theme throughout all of mankind, we fell so far in the darkness, that we didn’t know we were even their, it just seems normal. The darkness however, is not how and where God wants us to be, but to rather stand and step into the light, and see well who our creator is and what He wills for us. So, lets jump in and From the text, I want you to see and understand these truths about Jesus, the revealing light.

Message

The first truth to see and understand is that: Jesus gives light 1:1-9

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life,[a] and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome[b] it.6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him.[c] 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.[d]

From the very first few verses in this gospel, we are faced with a very deep concept that requires each of us to take a pause and reflect on the deepness of it. I’m talking of course, though not all members are mentioned specifically by name, but the clear description of the Holy trinity and how Jesus is a member of it. The text begins by talking about how there are always “The Word-of-God” the logos. The Word of God (Jesus) was with God and yet was God. He was (and is) God always. In fact, He, the Word, Jesus, was the agent of creation, and through him all created beings and things were made. From Him came life, both physical and spiritual. His life he gives (His eternal life, the cleansings of sin and the end of separation from God because of it) is the light of mankind. He shines a light and is the light that overcomes the darkness of sin (rebellion against God). That is Jesus, and there was a man sent from God named John (John the Baptist) who was sent to the world to be witness to the coming light, the light that was coming into the world and available to anyone would take it.

Why then, in this fallen world, would we need someone to tell us about the light? Well, simple, the darkness of sin to us as individuals and to mankind as a whole is a really good deceiver. It can make us think bad things are good, good things are bad. That something healthy is sick and something sick is healthy. It deceives, it controls. It becomes the norm with a little time. The world needed John the Baptist to point the way to Jesus’ light, because with a description of what light is like, you would think it was bad. Let me give you an example, let’s say you have literally lived in a dark cave your whole life, and have never come out of the cave. With that being your norm, your eyes have adjusted and you see kind-of-ok, by standards to people who are used to light, but well by your mind, because great because you don’t know any better. Then, one day, you venture to the front of the cave, you notice something, you don’t know what it is, a light-dweller would call it light and brightness outside. You would call eye-hurting-blinding bad; so you crawl back deeper into the familiar cave. Then one day, someone came in and explained to you what that was, that it (the light) is good, and if you think you can see now, wait until you get in the light and your eyes get adjusted! You haven’t seen anything yet!

So, that’s why we needed John, because if something is all we have experienced and no one has ever told or shown us any better, we can lie to ourselves and believe it is good, when it is not. Jesus shines the light, He shines His goodness and light, thus revealing to us that Yes, each and every one of us are sinners, yes each and everyone of us need God’s forgiveness, yes each and every one of us have some sin we are holding onto and need to change. Jesus’ light shines and reveals many unseen things. And part of our mission as people are seeking to Love God, is to make those changes, yes they will be hard, they will be scary, but they will be good. They will bring about peace and joy in your life as you conquer them, as doing so is an expression of your loving God, something that you made and designed to do. So, do not fear, the fall out. Do not fear what mankind may say to you, what someone may think of you, what it is you may lose. Instead, have one as Paul wrote of power, love, and sound judgement. Look deep in yourself, let Jesus’ light shine in your deepest fears and concerns, and let Him move!

The next truth to see and understand is that: Jesus gives Grace 1:10-19

10 He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be[e] children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born, not of natural descent,[f] or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man,[g] but of God.14 The Word became flesh and dwelt[h] among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son[i] from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified concerning him and exclaimed, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’”) 16 Indeed, we have all received grace upon[j] grace from his fullness, 17 for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side[k]—he has revealed him.

Here we see more description about Jesus. He was in the world, which He created and was created through Him, yet the fallen world did not recognize or receive Him. The people of Israel, His own people, who should have been the first to recognize and shout for joy, for their sin by-in-large did not welcome and receive Him. However, everyone who did receive Him, by right of God become children of God, no longer do you become a child of God birthright or any one person’s wants/will, but now by having belief (acceptance of Him). The Word of God Himself, becomes flesh, the God-Man fully human and fully divine and dwelt among us and a fully human person does. We (John and the early disciples) saw Him, observed Him, and saw that He has the glory, honor, and splendor that only comes from the Son of God The Father. This unique person, Jesus was and is full of grace and truth. Grace, meaning God’s favor, forgiveness, and the ability to give eternal life, truth meaning well, everything good and right, perfect, and Holy. The Baptizer, John, came to point to this God-Man, and point out His greatness to all those that would listen. Yes, the Law came before and showed mankind its guilt, but Jesus came to remove the sentence that we deserved for that guilt, to restore back to relationship and the favor of God, as opposed to the self-inflicted separation from the state of sin. Before Jesus came, no one had ever truly observed the fullness of God, but now through the Christ, Jesus, the Messiah we have.

You know, there is a story, I don’t know if it’s true or not, about the famous evangelist Billy Graham. It’s said that one time he got a spreading ticket in a small town, for going 10 over the speed limit. When writing the ticket, the officer told him that he would have to appear in court. In a routine event hearing the judge never really looked up from his paper, and didn’t recognize Graham and Graham was asked to plead for his case. He pleaded guilty and the judge said, now I've inflated the numbers to match more today's dollars for example sake,” then you will pay a fine of $100, that’s $10 for every mile over the speed limit you were.” The judge then looked up, realized who was in his courtroom and said, “Mr. Graham, you are guilty of this crime, but I am going to pay your fine.” So then, out of his wallet he pulled out a 100 dollar bill and paid it. This is much like it when we accept Jesus’ offer of forgiveness. Yes, we are guilty, but we are freed from the penalty we deserve by accepting Jesus’ blood as the sacrificial payment.

So then, if Jesus, God, gives us grace, what do you think that means?...... It means we need it. Each and every one of us. We need forgiveness when we don’t deserve it. What else does that mean? Well, if we are to be like Jesus, it means that we give forgiveness to others too, even if they don’t deserve it. It means we step up and give it, even if it’s not asked for or sought after. It means we take the first steps in patching up damaged relationships instead of dwelling forever in the hurt and anger , even if by our own thoughts and logic, that doesn’t make any sense, because we are children of God; and God doesn’t work, think, and act in ways that we the natural person would. So, we need God’s forgiveness, and we need to give Christ-like forgiveness. Also, we need to remember to share God’s forgiving grace through the sharing of the gospel with others. Remember, Jesus’ light shines and reveals many unseen things. These are both areas that can easily go unseen and forgotten. Yet, here is Jesus’ light, shining on our weakness, showing us the right way to go about it, and then charging us to do likewise. Jesus gives grace. Have you accepted His? Do you share His forgiveness? And do you give forgiveness too?

Another truth to see and understand is that: Jesus is greater 1:19-28

19 This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He didn’t deny it but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “What then?” they asked him. “Are you Elijah?” “I am not,” he said. “Are you the Prophet?”“No,” he answered. 22 “Who are you, then?” they asked. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?”23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord[l]—just as Isaiah the prophet said.”24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 So they asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you aren’t the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?”26 “I baptize with[m] water,” John answered them. “Someone stands among you, but you don’t know him. 27 He is the one coming after me,[n] whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to untie.” 28 All this happened in Bethany[o] across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Back to John for a bit here, who’s ministry was pointing to Christ, and here we see him doing just that. When the priests came to John they asked him, who are you?" That is, on whose authority and position are you baptizing all these people, stranger? Are you the Messiah? No. Are you Elijah? Or any other prophet? No. Well then, tell us who you are and by who’s authority you are doing this so we can report back to the religious authorities. He said, “I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord[l]—just as Isaiah the prophet said.” and “Someone stands among you, but you don’t know him. 27 He is the one coming after me,[n] whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to untie.” This all of course spoke of Jesus, who they didn’t know.

Believer, Is your life one that says, “Jesus is Greater?” Or, is it one that says, Jesus is strong. Or maybe even one that says, “Jesus is weak.” Well, know this, the strong always fails eventually, and the weak fail quickly. But, Jesus is greater than that! Do you live in fear? Something or the loss of something makes you act and think in a way that causes you to say anything other than, “Jesus is greater?” If you can say yes to anything in your life, then my brothers and sisters, there is a sin that needs attention. Jesus is greater than that fear, Jesus is greater than anything. He overcomes without flinching or worrying about the loss of resources. Jesus’ light shines and reveals many unseen things. He will shine the light on the places where we do not believe He is greater. He will and does this, almost all the time for the child of God. The thing is, are you watching for it? Are your eyes open? Do you see the test before you, and how God is using it so that you are quicker to love Him and point to Him? Do you see, that? Keep your eyes open! Jesus is greater than all your sins, all your worry, all your doubt, all your fear, align your heart to His and move forward with expectation that He will show you something you didn’t know! Ask Him to help your unbelief and He will!

Conclusion

Beloved, the time is now. Have you let the light of Jesus shine into every part of yourself. Remember, Jesus gives light 1:1-9. Jesus gives Grace 1:10-19, and Jesus is greater 1:19-28. No darkness is too much for Him to overcome. Nothing you can have ever done and are hiding will ever make Him think differently of you. Jesus’ light has already revealed those things. Don’t hide them as if He didn’t already know. Instead, ask Him in. Let Him shine upon the darkness and show you how to remove it. His sacrifice has already redeemed all of mankind from our sins. Do you really want to squander that gift by continuing in your own sin? Let’s ask Him to reveal it to us and help us rid ourselves of it.

With all of that being said, I would be remiss if I didn’t share the Gospel (or the Good News) of Jesus Christ with you today, for the benefit of both believer and non-believer in the room. This begins all the way back at the beginning, God created everything, and he created all things good. He gave His most treasured creation (us, mankind) the ability of free will, the ability to choose Him or rebellion. Man was deceived by Satan and desired to be like God and sinned (or rebelled against God). This brought the curse of sin and death into the world and it remains with us to this day; which separates us from God. God, though, loved His creation (mankind) so much that He worked through history to redeem all mankind that would turn to Him from sin so that we can experience a full and perfect relationship with Him again. This was through the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the pay for sins. Accepting this free gift from God, makes you new and forgiven. All you have to do is accept this free gift by repenting and believing in the Lord Jesus and you will get to experience the good side of God’s justice forever. So, now that you know this, you can no longer plead ignorance. I invite and urge you to respond today non-believer and apply this to every part of your life believers in the audience today.

Father God, we thank You for Who You are. A great Big God who sees each and every one of us here and cares deeply about us. We ask this day, as we are continuing in this time of worship to You, reading Your Word and hearing Your Word, that You refine us with it. Mold us, make us, shape us, rearrange us so that we can be more like You, and made more into the image of Christ. Help us be a people who love You and love others so much that we are moved into action by whatever it is You are going to show us about Yourself today and what that means in our lives. Help us do this, because all too often our selfish and sinless flesh war against our will to follow Yours. As we are doing this, and as we are coming into Your Word today, we ask that You take away any distraction that we may have, and make it go as far away as it possibly can, because we want to see and we want to know You better. It’s in these things that I ask and in Jesus Christ’s Holy and precious name that I pray, Amen.