Sermon - Jeff Raines - The Light of the World - [John 8:12]

Today as we light the first of the Advent candles, we’ll consider Jesus as the Light of the World. 

“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.” 

Jesus doesn’t say I am A light of the world, but THE light of the world.  It is audacious and exclusive.  The light calls us to Him.  We can stop our frantic search for truth or hope because it is found right here in Christ. 

Jesus is the Light of the world. Jesus is not confined to borders.  He is the light of the world, radically inclusive and international.. 

During the Jewish festival of tabernacles, there were offerings of water and of light.  During the festival, 16 pillars of oil were lit, lighting up Jerusalem with wonder.  It is in this context that Jesus said He is the Light of the world. 

The Light of Jesus guides us.  Jesus doesn’t lay out the whole path of our lives at once, but gives us enough light for the next step, to keep going. 

The Light of Jesus reveals.  So much of sin thrives in darkness, but the Light of the world reveals it. Exposure to the Light isn’t cruel, but an act of mercy, a path to confession and repentance and forgiveness.  Sin’s goal is our destruction, but Jesus came to save us. 

The Light of Jesus defines the truth.  Knowing the truth can feel impossible or extremely relative in today’s culture.  But it is Jesus that is the Source of truth.  We need to look to Him to find truth. 

The Light of Jesus gives us hope.  In Isaiah’s prophecy, it says “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light…”. Our world feels so dark, so full of violence and corruption, but the promise is that there is a light of hope ahead of us.  We are called to live in such a way that gives hope to other people. 

When the Light arrives, it demands a response. “Whoever follows me…”.