Jesus Is Our Light
Notes
Transcript
I think it’s safe to say that 2020 has been a hard year for many people. It’s been a time of difficulties, a time of disasters, a time of darkness. For most of the year the corona virus has been a significant factor in our lives. There has been a rise in addictions, in domestic violence, in depressions, in unemployment, and in poverty.
In the midst of all this, where do we look for hope? Is there any place where we can see some light? John assures us in the beginning of his gospel that there is, and that light is Jesus Christ. He has referred to Jesus as the Word who is not only with God but is God. He affirms that everything which exists was created through Jesus. Now He calls Jesus our Light.
In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
In Jesus is life and light
In Jesus is life and light
In seeking to find solutions to our problems and answers to our questions in science or human wisdom, John instructs us to look to Jesus as the One who sheds light on all our world.
As our creator Jesus is the source of life,
His life provides a light for our lives
Not simply physical but spiritual
Shines in the darkness
The light shined in our world not only when Jesus walked this earth but continues to shine, even now.
This world is in darkness – ignorance, sin
Jesus came to reveal God’s grace
Jesus came to reveal God’s judgment on sin
Jesus came to reveal the way of salvation
Darkness does not understand
Darkness does not understand
The darkness is the world of evil and unbelief and death and judgment.
Those who walk in darkness live for themselves, they seek their own will, pursue their own pleasures. They don’t understand the way of love which lives for others,
They also are afraid of having their selfishness revealed, their sin made known.
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Have you ever noticed that when you shine a bright light in a room you see things you didn’t notice before – perhaps some cobwebs in a corner, a spot on the rug. Light reveals.
Ultimately, they don’t understand that the way to life is only found in Jesus Christ. The reason is that their minds are blinded.
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Some translations say the darkness has not overcome the light, reminding us that there is a conflict between the two. The power of darkness is trying to put out the light, but it will never be able to do so.
We are called to walk in the light
We are called to walk in the light
Until we become a disciple of Jesus we are in darkness. When we commit to following Him we become citizens of the kingdom of light. It is this decision which transforms our lives.
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 disciples of Jesus Christ we have had our eyes opened to the light. We know that peace, satisfaction, and life itself are found by following Him. To follow Jesus means to walk in the light, not in darkness. This means to live according to His teachings and example.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
We are called to be light
We are called to be light
Finally, the light Jesus gives us is not just for our own benefit. Now our lives are to be reflections of His light, showing His love and compassion to those in need, sharing the good news, leading others to praise God.
Think of a lighthouse. It serves as a warning to avoid the rocks, it serves as a guide to show ships the safe passage. Jesus provides the light and we are the reflectors.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.