The Light of the World

Light and Dark

• The Bible uses a lot of different images and metaphors to describe our life without a Savior: Lost sheep, debt, slavery, guilt, etc. 
• One of those ways is walking in darkness (e.g. Isaiah 5:20, 30, and Isaiah 9:2).

A world without Jesus is a dark world, indeed. Even the sun (which should give light) has been darkened. 

• Good News: God promises a Messiah would come to be a bright light in a dark world — and this light would be a child who would bring comfort, strength, dependability, and peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).
• In Isaiah 7:!4, we learn the Messiah would also be called “Emmanuel,” meaning God is with us. This symbolizes his presence and reminds us of God’s ultimate desire throughout the Bible: to dwell with his people forever. 

Jesus is the Light of the World

Scripture: John 1:4-9.

• A life without Jesus is a life lived in darkness. But Jesus came to illuminate the darkness in our hearts, the darkness in our lives, and the darkness in the world around us so that we would be able to walk in the light of his love and truth.

Today’s Main Idea: Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who brought light to our darkness and showed us the way to everlasting life.

Jesus’ First Recorded Sermon 

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21 

• Context: Jesus is baptized in Luke 3:21-23 (and hears the truth about his identity and purpose). Then he is tempted by the Devil in Luke 4:1-13. Then Jesus begins his ministry in Luke 4:14.

Jesus shares a passage from Isaiah that includes a promise from God about the Savior who would be coming.

• Jesus’ audience might have expected him to say that this savior would be coming soon. But he actually said it was fulfilled that day.
• The ministry of the Messiah would focus on people on the margins: the poor, the sick, the prisoners, the oppressed, etc. Why? Not because they are more valuable in God’s sight, but because they are more vulnerable in the world. 

Ministering to the needy is such a crucial part of the work of the Messiah that Jesus used it as proof that he really was Israel’s savior.

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-6.

• Jesus is asked if he really was the Messiah, or if Israel should be waiting for someone else.
• Instead of answering directly, Jesus pointed to the results of his ministry: the poor, sick, blind, etc. are being blessed and experiencing genuine transformation.
• Jesus could provide his identity by sharing about the tangible results of his ministry.

How Jesus’ Life (And Not Just His Death) Fits into God’s Plan of Redemption

Why did Jesus spend three years on Earth before going to the cross? And what does his life and ministry teach us about God’s plan for our lives?

Three Main Aspects of Jesus’ Ministry:

• Teacher — Sharing the authoritative truth about God, people, and God’s plan for our lives. Matthew 7:28-29.
• Healer — Driving out demons, restoring sight, raising the dead, and bringing healing. Mark 1:29-34.
• Trainer — Mentoring, equipping, and training the disciples to continue his ministry after his departure back to Heaven. Matthew 10:1-8.
• Jesus came so we could know the truth, experience God’s love and care, and be equipped to do the work of God even after Jesus leaves the world (physical sense).

Key Point: Jesus was an example for us to follow (John 13:15-17).

Summary & Call to Action:

• Jesus came to teach people the truth by sharing God’s Word. So we ought to take his message seriously. 
• Jesus came to meet people’s tangible needs with love and compassion. So we should be a spirit-filled problem solver, too.
• Jesus came to train the disciples to continue his mission. So we are called to be disciples who make more disciples. 
• Jesus came to set us an example of how we should live. We should strive to imitate Jesus’ heart, character, and lifestyle. 

Choose to Walk in the Light

• Remember: Jesus came to be the light, but he doesn’t force anyone to walk in it. We have to choose that for ourselves (John 3:19-21).
  

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Study & Reflection

Let’s read John 8:12 and John 1:9-13. 

1. What do you think Jesus intended to convey about himself when he said “I am the light of the world”?
2. Jesus implies that anyone who chooses not to follow him will end up walking in the darkness. What do you think he meant by that? In what way(s) is a life without Jesus like walking in the dark?
3. One of the passages Bryan shared (John 3:19-21) indicated that some people choose to stay in the darkness even though the light is available. Why do you think that is? How can we help those individuals choose the light?
4. The world has had many philosophers and Israel had many teachers, but only Jesus is “the true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). What makes Jesus so unique that he can bear that title of the true light?

Now let’s read Matthew 5:13-16. 

5. What does this passage say about our identity and purpose as disciples of Jesus?
6. Describe the kind of character, life, or actions a person could have that would cause someone to glorify God just by interacting with them.
7. What kinds of darkness still exist in your life? Or in your walk with God? Are there areas you are trying to keep hidden from him? How can you bring those into the light?
8. What is something you can do this week to share the light of God’s love with someone in your life?
9. Was there anything in these passages, questions, or in the sermon that you would like to pray about further or look into more? What is it, and why did it stand out to you?