I SAW THE LIGHT: John 8
INTRO. The late Hank Williams wrote a song in 1947 that has stood the test of time called, “I saw the Light.”
I wandered so aimless, life filed with sin
I wouldn’t let my dear Savior in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord, I saw the light
I saw the light, I saw the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I’m so happy, no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord, I saw the light
Just like a blind man, I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave his sight
Praise the Lord, I saw the light
It does appear that Hank had some good theology even though he struggled to walk in the light.
- This morning in our series, Mission 3:16 we are in John’s gospel chapter 8. Last week we looked at the woman caught in adultery who “saw the light” of the grace of God through her encounter with Jesus. It’s on the heels of this story that Jesus declares himself to be the light that liberates people from their darkness.
SCRIPTURE IN FOCUS:
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.” John 8:12
CONTEXT: The Jewish leaders are irate with Jesus for claiming that God was his Father and in chapter 8 he sends them into a frenzy with his claim of being the Light of the World.
Who do you think you are was the response of the Jewish leadership? v.53
You have no right to testify about yourself in this way. Our law tells us that one can’t testify for himself. to which Jesus responds, my Father testifies on my behalf. and he is the one who sent me. v.18
I. JESUS CLAIMS TO BE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD AND THIS TRUTH IS KEY TO TRUE SPIRITUAL .
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” V. 12
- The Apostle John introduces Jesus as the Light in his opening chapter: John 1:1-18
- The Prophet Isaiah prophesied about the coming Christ some eight hundred years prior to this day:
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned. Isa. 9:2
(This is the same chapter that speaks of a child being born “unto us” who would be called, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Isa. 9. 6)
- In the closing chapter of Revelation (21:23) John says that in the eternal city their will be no moon or sun because Jesus (the lamb) will be her light!
II. JESUS WAS SENT TO EARTH TO ENLIGHTEN PEOPLE IN REGARD TO SPIRITUAL THAT LEADS US OUT OF .
- Spiritual Enlightenment Defined:
“Spiritual enlightenment is a state of profound understanding and liberation, often described as a higher state of consciousness or awareness.” AI. AGREE?
- Spiritual enlightenment: In our modern times the word enlightenment has evolved into some nebulous idea that “New agers” have grabbed onto and have created a mystical religion apart from Christ.
Jesus wasn’t claiming to be a light but the light.
- The Apostle Paul’s view on spiritual enlightenment:
“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:1-6
- Paul understood the fact that preaching Christ was the only way to help people “see the Light.”
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Eph. 1:13-14
- True spiritual enlightenment requires faith in Christ which results in the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul informed the Corinthian Church that Spiritual realities are revealed to us because we have the Spirit. (1 Cor. 2: 9-10)
Side Note: The Apostle Paul prays for the church that she would receive further revelation-enlightenment in regard to spiritual truths. Eph. 1:15-21
III. THE JEWS SERVE AS AN OF PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY CAN BE SPIRITUALLY TO GOD WITHOUT IN CHRIST.
Kids are afraid of the dark but adults are afraid of the light.
If you read through the entire chapter for yourself, you will find that Jesus indicts the Pharisees and the unbelieving Jews as follows:
- You don’t know me or my Father v.19
- You will die in your sins v.21-24
- You are of this world. V.23
- You don’t believe that I am the Christ. v.24
- You are slaves to sin. V. 33-34
- You have no room in your heart for my word. V.37
- You can’t hear me because you don’t belong to God. v. 47
- You are doing the work of your father- the devil. V. 41-44
Religion and/or spirituality without Christ can make one appear spiritual but in the dark, nonetheless.
CONCLUSION/APPLICATION:
Brothers and sisters, we are the people who have seen the great light in the face of CHRIST. We are therefore called to “Walk in the Light as He is in the Light.” 1 John 1:7
In the words of the Apostle Paul: “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12