I am the light of the World
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Introduction
Introduction
Light is fundamental to living. We cannot live without light.
Have you ever had an experience where you have been lost in the Dark? (I can remeber a time I got lost in the woods, it was getting Dark and how frightened I was)
Light is essential for life isn't it? We can’t live without light.
Light is essential for life! We can’t live without light!
Light gives vision - It is because of light that I can see you and you can see me.
Light enables us to Breath - It is because of sunlight, and photosynthesis you are breathing oxygen right now.
Light gives us Food - It is because of light, helping plants grow we have food to eat. cosmetics, medicine, clothing, paper, paint, fuel, lighting, charcoal and adhesives. All these things exist because of light, light is essential to life.
Light Illuminates, and because it illuminates it also reveals what would formally be hidden (Sunlight and dust-motes illustration),
Light gives Knowledge.
Light Brings Warmth.
Light also guides and keeps us out of harms way. (perhaps you have now heard the urban legend of the full scale naval confrontation that was avoided off the Kerry coast)
The HMS Britainis was
Irish: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the South, to avoid a collision.
British: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the North, to avoid a collision.
Irish: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.
British: This is the captain of a British navy ship. I say again, divert your course.
Irish: Negative. I say again, You will have to divert your course.
British: This is the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible. The second largest ship in the British atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, two missile cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course, 15 degrees north, I say again, that is 15 degrees north, or counter-measures will be undertaken to ensure that safety of this ship.
Irish: We are a lighthouse. Your call.
Light also guides and keeps us out of harms way. (perhaps you have heard the infamous urban legend of the, full scale naval confrontation that was avoided off the Coast of Ireland.
Irish: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the South, to avoid a collision.
British: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the North, to avoid a collision.
Irish: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.
British: This is the captain of a British navy ship. I say again, divert your course.
Irish: Negative. I say again, You will have to divert your course.
British: This is the aircraft carrier HMS Britania. The second largest ship in the British atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by two destroyers, a missile cruiser, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course, 15 degrees north, I say again, that is 15 degrees north, or counter-measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.
Irish: We are a lighthouse.... Your call. (Light Keeps us safe)
Because of light’s inextricable relationship to life (which is given by God), it’s no surprise that it plays a very important (and often central theme) in the Bible, especially when it is contrasted with Darkness. (This contrast is sometimes referred to as Dualism)
Big Idea.
Big Idea.
Because of light’s inextricable relationship to life (which is given by God), it’s no surprise that it plays a very important (and often central theme) in the Bible, especially when it is contrasted with Darkness. (Dualism)
Light is also a key theme in Johns Gospel. John’s Gospel personifies light telling us that true light from God came into this world. This light was both rejected
“Let there be light” is the first recorded speech belonging to God and occurs at the very beginning of Gods creative activity upon the Earth.
God himself was said to dwell in unapproachable light, to wrap himself in light as with a garment.
God himself was often described as pure light on account of his Majestic Glory, Radiance, Holiness , purity and unchanging truthfulness.
Big Idea.
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
So rich and glorious is he that not a single name can describe him, and not a single metaphor can do justice to his greatness. He is life, light, bread, water, etc.
We are told in the prologue that “True light from God that gives light to every man came into the world, and even through the world was made through him the world did not know him, The light was and is rejected by many because men love darkness.
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 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
Metaphorically, light symbolises righteousness, godliness, and blessing, as well as understanding, insight, knowledge, truth, and wisdom
Metaphorically, light symbolizes righteousness, godliness, and blessing, as well as understanding, insight, knowledge, truth, and wisdom
Context
Most importantly God’s light was said represent his divine activity in the world bringing revelation and salvation to his people.
In John’s Gospel Gods light becomes personified,- We are told in the prologue that “True light from God that gives light to every man was coming into the world, and even through the world was made through him, the world did not know him.
19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
17 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. 18 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. 19 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. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 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.”
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.
Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
Jesus is recorded as having passed a verdict, “light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
In Jesus is recorded as having said, “light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
Big Idea.
Big Idea.
Big Idea.
Big Idea.
The Text this morning will focus on where Jesus made an astonishing claim, He said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
But what did he mean? And what are its implications for you and I today?
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
As we consider this statement, we will seek to answer three questions:
What did Jesus mean by this statement? And what are its implications for you and I today?
What did he mean by this claim. (The Backdrop)
What was the significance of this claim?
What were its implications for those who heard him and those who hear this claim today?
What does it look like follow the light of the world in Resolis Ferintosh and Cromarty?
At the beginning of the Gospel Johns Gospel we are told:
Light Shines, and enlightens. The Light can be received and Rejected, What does this mean as a daily endeavour for Christians. But Jesus Claim also Seperates, Confronts us like the lighthouse, are we going to accept or reject his claim. So rich and glorious is he that not a single name can describe him, and not a single metaphor can do justice to his greatness. He is life, light, bread, water, etc.
So rich and glorious is he that not a single name can describe him, and not a single metaphor can do justice to his greatness. He is life, light, bread, water, etc.
Exposition.
Exposition.
Limit the scope of the passage.
1) What what was the significance of this claim?
1) What what was the significance of this claim?
“I am the light of the World”
Though Jesus is in a very real sense true light, this does not mean that he was a photon, any more than his claim to be living bread meant he was a literal peace of Bread,
To understand what Jesus meant by this claim, It is helpful to understand the context in which he said it.- Jesus made this statement during The Feast of Tabernacles, (Festival of Booths)- This was a religious festival where people would come from all over and camp outside Jerusalem in tents, (Think Belladrum or T in the Park but without the revelry).
J
Is light only a metaphor?
We Have to understand Johns statements in the Light of the Prologue and the OT Scriptures, The festival is a good starting point.
Jesus made this statement during The Feast of Tabernacles, (Festival of Booths)- This was a religious festival where people would come from all over and camp outside Jerusalem in tents, (Think Belladrum or Tin the Park but without the revalry).
It was a festival that was commanded by God to take place, it commemorated and harkend back to a time what the Israelites would wonder the wilderness in tents on their way to the Promise Land. Of particular remembrance was The glory of the very presence of God in that appeared as a pillar of Fire and light by night. It led the people to the promised land (). and protected them from those who would destroy them (). The Israelites were trained to sing, ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation’ (). Light therefore was the predominant theme at this festival.
On the evening of its first day, there was a ceremony called the Illumination of the Temple. Four humungous, Giant Menorahs (Candles) were prepared which required ladders to reach the top they were huge! (The Mishna (a Jewish commentry) says they were 75ft tall which is probably an exaggeration but they were very big).
When the dark came, the four great lamps in the treasury where lit and, it was said, they sent such a blaze of light throughout Jerusalem that every courtyard was lit up with their brilliance. Then all night long, until the next morning, there was a torch procession and the greatest and the wisest and the holiest men in Israel danced before the Lord and sang psalms of joy and praise while the people watched and the levites played trumpets and cymbals and harps. This would happen every night for the remainder of the festival.
Imagine being there hearing Jesus’ claim against that Backdrop in the treasury with the Giant menorahs lighting up the city from the temple.....This is full blown dramatic sermon, (complete with visual aids).
We need to understand what light is and what light is not. Jesus is not a photon.
As you picture the scene and you begin to understand the majestic claim Jesus is making.
Describe what is going On)
Jesus is likening himself to the pillar of light that Guided the people of God through the wilderness to the promised land.
A New spiritual Exodus is about to occur Jesus is going to rescue God’s people from bondage, not the bondage of Ancient Egypt or the Roman empire but of slavery to Satan Sin and darkness, he is going to take people out of the Kingdom of Darkness, Satan’s Kingdom and into the kingdom of light, the Kingdom of God.
As God’s light, Jesus is carrying out Gods activity in the World. As Gods light, Jesus is revealing Gods Glory, Gods self- Revelation of who he is and in doing so he is revealing God’s love.
Application
God Dwells in unapproachable light.
But as we shall see Jesu
Maybe you are here this morning and you need the light of Christ to Shine on you, you want to know where y
Jesus is the light of the world which means he is also the light of Resolis Ferintosh and Cromarty. Where is his light shinning? If I were to ask you what is God up to in Cromarty would you be able to answer? Where in Cromarty is God at work. Where is God’s Glory being revealed? Where in Cromarty is the love of God being Revealed and his salvation procalimed? Are you able to see Gods activity in Jesus around your community and are you invested in following the light and reflecting that light.
Will
Jesus is the light of the world which means he is the the light of Resolis Ferintosh and Cromarty also.. What is he up to here, where in Cromarty is Gods Glory being revealed, where in Cromarty is the love of God being Revealed.
2) What were its implications for those who heard him and those who hear his claim today?
2) What were its implications for those who heard him and those who hear his claim today?
When light Shines it inevitably separates and divides, that is the very nature of light. Some people can see it, others are blinded by it so that they cannot see it. Some people receive and welcome the light, other they reject God’s light and in doing so rejects Gods wisdom and salvation.
Some people receive and welcome the light, other they reject God’s light and in doing so rejects Gods wisdom and salvation.
The Pharisees, they begin to Challenge Jesus’ claim when they say his testimony is not valid. They claim they can see, that they know God, but they cannot see who Jesus is. The irony is that the bind man in Chapter nine....He has eyes to see Jesus! He knows who Jesus is...
The pharisees thought they were putting Jesus on trial, they sought to condemn Jesus, but as the light shines on them they are the ones who are on trial, not because Jesus is condemning them but because in rejecting the light they condemn themselves. The light of God is doing what light does, it is exposing, illuminating and revealing, and it has shown them to be in darkness.
John Records Jesus as having passed a verdict: This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. ().
The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), .
Jesus’ self-reference as light guiding people through darkness (as the pillar of light guided the Israelites in the desert) is quickly challenged (8:13–19
The NIV Application Commentary: John “I Am the Light of the World!” (8:12–20)
Jesus’ self-reference as light guiding people through darkness (as the pillar of light guided the Israelites in the desert) is quickly challenged (8:13–19
.… Jesus’ self-reference as light guiding people through darkness (as the pillar of light guided the Israelites in the desert) is quickly challenged
3)
They Rejected the light of the world Just as many are still rejecting the light of the World today when they hear Jesus claims.
have you received the light, or are you still hiding in the shadows? Do you only come to Jesus in Secret like Nicodemus in .
But many did receive Jesus and many are receiving the light of the world today and they are experiencing the Good news of the light’s promise. “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
But many did receive Jesus and many are receiving the light of the world today and they are experiencing the Good news of the light’s promise. “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Application
have you received the light, or are you still hiding in the shadows? Do you only come to Jesus in Secret like Nicodemus at night, afraid of what your friends might think.in .
Will never walk in Darkness but will have the light of life
What an amazing wonderful promise this is Truly Good News! As the piller of Fire, Jesus will lead you to the Promised Land, the paradise of God and will never leave you in darkness.
The pillar of light in the desert or that of the lamps of the Temple treasury imparted outward illumination. This light, Jesus Christ as the object of our faith, becomes our inner possession: we have him, Dwelling in us by the Power of the Holy Spirit, And something more amazing, “and to those who did receive him who believed in his name he gave the right to become Children of God.”
What are the implications? Light has come into the world and we are confronted with a stark choice. Will we follow the light?
My Life is my own, no it isn't.
Light Shines, and enlightens. The Light can be received and Rejected, What does this mean as a daily endeavour for Christians.
It is also notable that the light “shines” () and “enlightens” (), and “the life was the light of all humankind” (). Light, then, is an active entity, something that brings life and knowledge.
Light gives life it is an active entity, something that brings life and Knowlede.
C. Hartsock, “Light and Darkness,” ed. Joel B. Green, Jeannine K. Brown, and Nicholas Perrin, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL; Nottingham, England: IVP Academic; IVP, 2013), 523.
Light Reveals (But what does it reveal, love, Gods Glory sin).
Light Warns.
Light Judges.
Imparts Wisdom to the ignorant
Holiness to the Impure,
Gladness to those in sadness of heart.
Jesus is recorded as having said, “light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
3) What does it look like to follow the light of the world, in Resolis Ferintosh and Cromarty?
3) What does it look like to follow the light of the world, in Resolis Ferintosh and Cromarty?
The New International Version Chapter 8
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
We possess the light and life of God.
What an amazing wonderful promise this is Truly Good News! Jesus will lead you to the Promised Land, the paradise of God.
The pillar of light in the desert or that of the lamps of the Temple treasury imparted outward illumination. This light, Jesus Christ as the object of our faith, becomes our inner possession: we have him, Dwelling in us by the Power of the Holy Spirit,
To follow the light, Christ, means to trust and obey him. It means to believe in him and out of gratitude to keep his commandments.
To follow the light, Christ, means to trust and obey him. It means to believe in him and out of gratitude to keep his commandments to follow where he leads, to daily repent of Sin and to look to him for cleansing.
We are told in
The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), .
How do we respond to the Light of the word. (The Light of the World Can be Recieved or Rejected)
Being Children of Light. Reflecting the light to the world around us.
Reflecting the light to Ferintosh and Rosolis and cromarty.
What does it mean to follow the light of the world.
Those who see and those who dont.
We are the light.
To follow the light, Christ, means to trust and obey him. It means to believe in him and out of gratitude to keep his commandments. Man must follow where the light leads: he is not permitted to map out his own course through the desert of this life
THos who Accept
Relatives Rejection of your light are get away
Physical light—for example, that of the pillar of light in the desert or that of the candelabra in the Court of the Women—imparts outward illumination. This light, Jesus Christ as the object of our faith, becomes our inner possession: we have him, and this abidingly; cf. 4:14.
Those who Reject
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth (.)
Those who reject - Those who are in this condition are utterly ignorant of God and his truth (; ; ). Such people are lost, confused, and disoriented (; ). The result is a distorted view of reality where darkness becomes light and light becomes darkness ().
Light is an indicator of time, distinguishing day from night (Gen 1:3–5). It can sometimes refer to the light-bearing objects themselves (sun, moon, stars), as in Psa 136:7, including lightning (Psa 77:18). It also carries many rich theological connotations, being used for God’s glory (Isa 60:19–20), symbolizing his presence (Psa 44:3) or signifying his favor (Psa 4:6), his power to save (Psa 27:1), and his justice (Isa 51:4; compare Psa 37:6). God’s intervention in the world to bring righteousness (Psa 37:6), redemption, and healing (Isa 58:8) is also described in terms of light. Job describes God’s former blessing on his life as a light guiding him through darkness (Job 29:2–4). The light represented God’s watching over him (Job 29:2) and bringing him prosperity. Light also represents the influence of the righteous person who fears Yahweh (Psa 112:1–4). Metaphorically, light symbolizes righteousness, godliness, and blessing, as well as understanding, insight, knowledge, truth, and wisdom (Job 12:22; 22:28; Psa 43:3; Psa 119:105; Prov 4:18). Light is also associated with life (Job 33:28, 30; Psa 36:9; 56:13).
It is also notable that the light “shines” () and “enlightens” (), and “the life was the light of all humankind” (). Light, then, is an active entity, something that brings life and knowledge.
Not only is the light upon us, but we have the light. What a blessing! We are given light to illumine our steps as we walk through this life. And the light comes into us so it can go out to others, making us to be light and life to them. What wonderful truths!
C. Hartsock, “Light and Darkness,” ed. Joel B. Green, Jeannine K. Brown, and Nicholas Perrin, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Second Edition (Downers Grove, IL; Nottingham, England: IVP Academic; IVP, 2013), 523.
To follow the light, Christ, means to trust and obey him. It means to believe in him and out of gratitude to keep his commandments to follow where he leads, to daily repent of Sin and to look to him for cleansing.
To follow the light means to let your light shine before men in Cromarty so that they might see your good deeds. (not working for salvation or your right hand letting your left know what its doing.)
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
To follow the light, Christ, mean you share the Good news of the forgivness of sins with others in Resolis and Ferintosh... With your neighbours, loved ones and even your enemies.
We who have received the light and life of God have become Children of God, Reflecting the light and life of God to the world around us, light into Rosolis, Ferintosh and Cromarty. The light shining in our lives is Christ’s light. What a privilege!
GOOD NEWS
GOOD NEWS
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth (.)
Not only is the light upon us, but we have the light. We are given light to guide our steps as we walk through this life. And the light comes into us so it can go out to others, making us to be light and life to them. What wonderful truths! like mirrors.
What does it look like to follow the light of the world, in Resolis Ferintosh and Cromarty? Living out your God given Identity as a child of light, an ambassador of Gods kingdom In Cromarty. Reflecting the light and life of God to the world around us, light into Rosolis, Ferintosh and Cromarty. The light shining in our lives is Christ’s light.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth (.)
Landing
Landing
Are you following the Light of the World?
How do we reflect that light to the wold around us.
Are you going to come to the light of the world. Christian, there are no secerets. Thats a good thing. thats liberating
What does it mean to follow the light.
Are you ever Tempted to Reject the Light.
Why would you not come to the light? Its a no brainer.
Christians
Non Christians.
Lewis says:
Lewis says:
Some encour
Scripture suggests another wonder in this regard as well. Jesus, at the end of the Mystery Parables, states in Matthew 13:43, “The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” C. S. Lewis once noted that the heavens only reflect or suggest the glory of God, but we share the glory of God with Christ. We will be more glorious than the heavens! In The Weight of Glory Lewis says:
Scripture suggests another wonder in this regard as well. Jesus, at the end of the Mystery Parables, states in Matthew 13:43, “The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” C. S. Lewis once noted that the heavens only reflect or suggest the glory of God, but we share the glory of God with Christ. We will be more glorious than the heavens! In The Weight of Glory Lewis says:
Nature is mortal. We shall outlive her. When all the suns and nebulae have passed away, each one of you will still be alive. Nature is only the image, the symbol, but it is a symbol Scripture invites me to use. We are summoned to pass through nature beyond her to the splendor which she fitfully reflects.
Nature is mortal. We shall outlive her. When all the suns and nebulae have passed away, each one of you will still be alive. Nature is only the image, the symbol, but it is a symbol Scripture invites me to use. We are summoned to pass through nature beyond her to the splendor which she fitfully reflects.
God, and we will be glorious beings imagination. “We know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). John, speaking in the final chapter of the book of Revelation, wrote:
God, and we will be glorious beings imagination. “We know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). John, speaking in the final chapter of the book of Revelation, wrote:
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. (22:5)
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. (22:5)
wut we have the light. What a blessing! We are given light to illumine our steps as we walk through this life. And the light comes into us so it can go out to others, making us to be light and life to them. What wonderful truths!
wut we have the light. What a blessing! We are given light to illumine our steps as we walk through this life. And the light comes into us so it can go out to others, making us to be light and life to them. What wonderful truths!
Landing
Landing
If you are a child Christ.
“The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” C. S. Lewis once noted that the heavens only reflect or suggest the glory of God, but we share the glory of God with Christ. We will be more glorious than the heavens! What a thought.
Scripture suggests another wonder in this regard as well. Jesus, at the end of the Mystery Parables, states in Matthew 13:43, “The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” C. S. Lewis once noted that the heavens only reflect or suggest the glory of God, but we share the glory of God with Christ. We will be more glorious than the heavens! In The Weight of Glory Lewis says:
A warning to those resisting the light.
I believe that with all my heart. I do not understand it, but I believe there is a glory awaiting every Christian that involves, in some way, shining forth. I do not know if we will be 100 watts or 200, 300, or 1,000! We might be like fireflies. But somehow we are going to enter into the fame and approval of God, and we will be glorious beings far beyond all imagination. “We know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). John, speaking in the final chapter of the book of Revelation, wrote:
ht and life to them. What wonderful truths!
(Eph. 5:8; cf. 1 Thes. 5:5; Jn. 12:36).
They saw His works and heard His words. They observed His perfect life. He gave them every opportunity to grasp the truth, believe, and be saved. Jesus is the way, but they would not walk with Him, He is the truth, but they would not believe Him, He is the life, and they crucified Him! They thought they knew God, but preferred the Darkness. Have you come into the light?
Some encouragement to those following the light.
). He is the truth, but they would not believe Him (
“The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” C. S. Lewis once noted that the heavens only reflect or suggest the glory of God, but we share the glory of God with Christ. We will be more glorious than the heavens! What a thought.
). He is the life, and they crucified Him!
As you turn on the lights in your home or in your car or stop to warm yourself in the sun, don’t forget to remind yourself that Jesus is the light of the world.
Christ the Logos “was life; and the life was the light of men” (). Christ was “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (). Here light could almost trade places with life, for light is not simply a pleasant addition to reality, a nice extra. Rather, it shines or burns with life-combusting radiance
Two, light illuminates a path. This explains why in the ancient times, travelers would walk with a lamp, while today we have headlights on our cars. Jesus lights up our path through this world into God’s Kingdom.
Three, light provides safety. This is why little kids want to sleep with the light on, and also explains why when the power goes out in a major city for days, crime spikes as people use darkness to hide evil. Jesus provides for us a comforting safety by showing us where danger lurks and how to walk in wisdom around it.
Jesus is the live-giving healing presence of God in our life. In calling Himself the light of the world, Jesus is reminding us that just as much as our body and world needs the sun, so our soul needs Him!
As you turn on the lights in your home or in your car or stop to warm yourself in the sun, don’t forget to remind yourself that Jesus is the light of the world.
📷📷📷📷
MARK DRISCOLL
MARK DRISCOLL
Pastor Mark Driscoll is a Jesus-following, mission-leading, church-serving, people-loving, Bible-preaching pastor. He’s grateful to be a nobody trying to tell everybody about Somebody. Read More