Sermon: LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Key reading: John 8:12-20

Key verses: John 8:12

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.”

First things first Jesus testimony is valid because:

He is the Word of God

Isaiah testifies concerning him

The Father testifies concerning him – Matthew 3:17, 17:5, also see John 1:9

What did Jesus mean when he said “I am the light of the world?”

1. Humanity collectively staggers in spiritual and moral darkness:

Wars, injustice, disasters, etc – ponder Isaiah 9:4-5

Note, he is not the light for Jews alone, but the light of the world.

But in Christ, we see ourselves as God sees us:

For God so loved the world – John 3:16. This knowledge is transformative

1. As individuals, outside of Christ we remain in darkness and stumble through life. See John 11:10 (he refers to spiritual stumbling) Without Christ we lack direction – John 12:35. So we dabble – spiritism, prophet chasing, charms, etc.
   Also Ephesians 4:18 – those outside of Christr are darkened in their understanding.
2. The “are we there yet” question. After all is accumulated, after the fame, the adulation, etc. are you there yet?

THE OTHER DARKNESS

The problem of outer darkness where there is great regret

Matthew 8:12, 25:30

WHAT SHALL WE DO?

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

The light of life – no longer stumbling in the dark, no longer stumbling towards outer darkness.

The promise “I have come into the world as a light, so that wherever believes in me many not remain in darkness” John 12:46

AND WHY SHOULD ANY NON-CHRISTIAN BELIEVE THIS?

The fascinating story of the healing of the man born blind – John 9:1-7

(see also John 20:31)

I once was blind but now I see – John Newton

BUT DISBELIEF PERSISTS, SADLY

The shabby treatment of the man born blind – John 9:24-34

But why?

People love darkness – Jesus exposes sin

Spiritual pride – I am the captain of my own soul, etc.

Finding solace in light that is not the true light – mysticism, meditation, trying to reach higher levels, being “conscious” etc.

IT’S YOUR MOVE

Staying in the dark for now and eternity, or saying yes to Jesus? 

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

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