Jesus: The Light of the World in a World Ravaged by Sin
Have you ever seen a movie where the mission seems impossible? Think about "Top Gun Maverick." The pilots, the best of the best, get a mission to fly through treacherous terrain. This area is packed with missiles, nestled inside a hollowed-out mountain. They devise what they believe is their ultimate plan, a strategy they can't improve. But there's a huge problem. Nobody thinks the plan can succeed. Everyone views it as a suicide mission. Yet, that's precisely the point of the movie.
This idea of facing impossible odds mirrors our own lives. We aren't on a Hollywood set; we face real-life issues. This past year, and frankly, much of our recent history, has been tough. Sin entered the world back in Genesis chapter 3, creating problems for everyone. This has left us struggling to deal with the situations we face.
So, how do we navigate a world that feels broken by sin? How do we handle these difficult circumstances? No one can deny that sin is real. It affects college campuses, military academies, high schools, and even a simple train ride. The problem of sin has been with us for thousands of years. But thankfully, there is a solution, and that's what we'll explore today.
Section 1: The Setting – Feast of Booths and Spiritual Illumination
The Scene in the Temple
We're picking up in the book of John, chapter 8, starting at verse 12. Jesus is still in the temple, teaching the crowds and the Pharisees. This is during the Feast of Booths, a significant celebration. The atmosphere is charged with religious observance and spiritual reflection.
The Ritual of the Lampstands
Each night of this feast, a special ceremony takes place. Four enormous lampstands, about 70 feet tall, are lit. These massive fixtures are filled with oil, and wicks made from priests' robes are used. When lit, these huge candles would illuminate the entire city of Jerusalem. It's in this dazzling environment that Jesus is about to teach a powerful lesson.
Section 2: Jesus Declares Himself – "I Am the Light of the World"
Jesus' "I Am" Statements
Jesus makes a profound declaration: "I am the light of the world." This is one of his significant "I Am" statements found in John's Gospel. These statements aren't just random assertions; Jesus connects His identity to the immediate context. Here, amidst the brilliant illumination of Jerusalem, He reveals His true nature.
Light as a Symbol of Guidance and Truth
The lights illuminating Jerusalem show the city, but Jesus' light is far greater. He declares Himself to be the light for the entire world. This connects to ancient Israel's exodus from Egypt. God guided them through the wilderness with a pillar of fire by day and night. This divine light led them, and they had to follow it closely. Jesus is saying He is that same guiding light, leading us into all truth.
The Pillar of Fire Analogy
Just as the pillar of fire was essential for the Israelites' survival and navigation in the dark desert, Jesus provides guidance for us. They depended entirely on that pillar. They didn't try to find their own shortcuts or question its direction. Jesus is this divine guide, essential for navigating life's darkness.
A Light for All Nations
Jesus' declaration is not just for the people in Jerusalem or for Israel. It's for everyone, everywhere. This echoes the prophecy in Isaiah 49:6, which states God would make His servant a light for the nations. Jesus' message of salvation extends to the ends of the earth.
Section 3: The Call to Follow and the Contrast with Darkness
What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?
Jesus follows His declaration by saying, "Whoever follows me." This calls for a deliberate choice. Just as the Israelites followed the pillar of fire, we are called to follow Jesus. This means trusting His guidance and His Word, even when it seems difficult or unconventional.
Navigating Difficult Commands
Following Jesus isn't always easy. His teachings can challenge our natural inclinations. For example, loving our enemies or forgiving those who hurt us are difficult commands. Ephesians 6 reminds us that our battle isn't against people, but against spiritual forces. When we follow Jesus, we adhere to His word and His way, not our own rules.
The Consequences of Not Following
Jesus contrasts following Him with not following Him. Those who follow Him "will not walk in darkness." If you're not following Jesus, you are in darkness. Many of our impulsive reactions and common responses are rooted in this darkness, not in God's truth. God desires more for us than to live in that state.
Walking in the Light
"Walking in the light" is a metaphor for our behavior and actions. It means our lives and activities reflect what Jesus teaches in His Word. It's a verb, an action. As Christians, we actively live according to scripture. Following Jesus means we will not walk in darkness, but we will possess the light of life. This light shines from us, impacting others.
Section 4: Opposition and Jesus' Divine Authority
The Pharisees' Rebuttal
The Pharisees didn't readily accept Jesus' claims. They questioned His testimony, saying, "You are bearing witness about yourself. Your testimony is not true." They remembered Jesus stating in John 5:31 that if He testified alone, His witness wouldn't be true. They used His own words against Him.
Jesus' Second Witness: The Father
Jesus explains His testimony is valid because He has a second witness: the Father who sent Him. He references the law which requires two witnesses for testimony to be true. Jesus could have chosen John the Baptist or the scriptures themselves as His witnesses. However, He chose the Father for specific reasons.
The Karate Kid Analogy
Think about the movie "The Karate Kid." Daniel LaRusso thought Mr. Miyagi was just making him do chores like painting fences and sanding decks. He didn't realize these tasks were building his strength and teaching him karate. Similarly, God is sovereign and knows what He is doing, even when we don't understand His plan. We must trust Him, just as Daniel eventually trusted Mr. Miyagi.
"His Hour Had Not Yet Come"
John repeatedly mentions that "His hour had not yet come." This phrase, used for the last time here, emphasizes God's ultimate control. Even when Jesus faced opposition and attempts on His life, events unfolded according to God's timing. This assurance brings peace, especially to those facing persecution. God is in control, even when things feel chaotic.
Section 5: Jesus' Sovereign Knowledge and the Ransom for Sin
The Inescapable Truth: Dying in Your Sins
Jesus issues a stark warning: "You will die in your sins." He states that unless people believe in Him, they will perish in their sin. This is a statement born of sovereign knowledge. It contrasts sharply with the Pharisees' self-assured righteousness based on following the law.
"You are from below; I am from above."
Jesus highlights a fundamental difference. He tells them, "You are from below. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world." This declaration points to His divine origin and their earthly limitations. Their understanding was confined to this world, while His perspective was heavenly.
The Paradox of Suffering and Sovereignty
Even though Jesus is sovereign, His path involves suffering. His journey to the cross, His death, burial, and resurrection were difficult. Yet, this was all part of God's plan. This truth should give us peace. It reminds us that God remains in control, even during our hardest times. Sometimes, difficult experiences serve a greater good.
The Ultimate Ransom
Sin entered the world in Genesis 3, breaking humanity's relationship with God. For thousands of years, God established a system involving sacrifices, prophets, and priests. These all pointed toward a final solution. Jesus' sacrifice serves as the ultimate ransom for sin. He came to make things right and cover our sin.
Section 6: The Lifting Up and the Offer of Redemption
"When you have lifted up the Son of Man..."
Jesus tells the Pharisees, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he." This refers to His crucifixion. His being lifted up on the cross would be the ultimate sacrifice for sin. His death, burial, and resurrection would fulfill all the prophecies.
The Pharisees' Future Knowledge
The Pharisees would undoubtedly know when Jesus rose from the dead. Jerusalem was a small city, and Jesus had been a significant figure, constantly challenging the religious leaders. His resurrection would be widely known. They would understand His claims when He was "lifted up."
The Offer of Forgiveness and Restoration
Through Jesus' sacrifice, the shedding of His blood, we can receive forgiveness. We can walk in the light and have our relationship with God restored. If you haven't yet decided to follow Jesus, you can do so today. You can choose to believe in Him for the forgiveness of your sins and a restored relationship with God.
The Call to Respond
Making the decision to follow Jesus is the crucial first step. For some, this might mean speaking to a pastor or a trusted friend. Others might want to write a note on a connect card to ask for prayer or more information. This decision is essential for addressing the problem of sin in our lives.
Justification and Sanctification
Following Jesus is not a one-time event; it's an ongoing journey. We are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus' work – this is justification. Then, we grow to become more like Jesus through a process called sanctification. This daily walk with Jesus involves learning from scripture and obeying God. Our salvation is secure, but our spiritual walk matures over time.
Conclusion: Strengthening Your Walk with God
Jesus is our light in a dark world, our only hope. He is also our sovereign King, in complete control of all things. And most importantly, He is our ransom for sin. To eradicate sin from our lives, we must follow Jesus. We need to see Him as our guiding light, our ultimate authority, and the one who paid the price for our sin.
Consider what you can do this week to deepen your relationship with God. Are there areas of darkness in your life that need to be eliminated? Could you benefit from spending more time in God's Word or in prayer? Perhaps you can share the good news of Jesus with others who are struggling with sin. There are practical steps we can all take. Let's commit to strengthening our walk with God, day by day.