The Light of the World

Series: Who Is Jesus?
Message: The Light of the World
Scripture: John 8:12-30

There is only ONE answer to darkness...  Light!

Jesus is the light. Not a light, not one light... THE light!

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4–5)

Context:  The Feast of Tabernacles

“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.”(Exodus 13:21) 

THE PILLAR OF FIRE IN THE WILDERNESS

• Mark of God’s Presence
• Means of God’s Guidance
• Means of God’s Protection

The only way to get light into our lives is by Following the light. (12)

As The Light of the World Jesus:

1. Knows where He is going (13-15)

As I follow Him I gain a greater Confidence about my direction

“For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness.” (2 Samuel 22:29)

2. Is Close to the Father (16-20)

As I follow Him I gain a greater Closeness to my Father

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

3. Has Insight and perspectives that are “out of this world” (21-24)

As I follow Him I gain greater Clarity in my understanding

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)

4. He Went to the cross (25-30)

2 Compelling Draws toward the Cross:

• My Great Need
• God’s Great Love

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

As I follow Him I gain greater Commitment for my life

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27)

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I follow Christ through faithful Submission and trusting Obedience

“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8–10)

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16) 

Making It Personal

• Have I trusted in Christ as the Light of the world for the forgiveness of my sin, eternal life and reconciliation with God (Become A Christ Follower)?
• What will it look like this week for me to follow Christ daily in faithful submission and trusting obedience?
• How will I share Christ as the Light of the world through my words and my actions this week?
• Who can I share these truths with?