"THE GOSPEL OF JOHN" The Light Of The World (8:12) INTRODUCTION 1. The gospel of John records at least seven remarkable claims by Jesus... a. "I am the bread of life" - Jn 6:48 b. "I am the light of the world" - Jn 8:12 c. "I am the door" - Jn 10:9 d. "I am the good shepherd" - Jn 10:11 e. "I am the resurrection and the life" - Jn 11:25 f. "I am the way, the truth, and the life" - Jn 14:6 g. "I am the vine" - Jn 15:5 2. In making such statements, Jesus reveals much... a. About the world around us, and the lives we live b. About Himself, and what He has to offer to us 3. In this study, we will focus our attention on His claim to be "The Light Of The World"... a. As recorded in Jn 8:12... "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." b. Made by Jesus in the treasury of the temple (part of the Court of Women) - cf. Jn 8:20 c. In which there were "two colossal golden lamp stands, on which hung a multitude of lamps, lighted after the evening sacrifice (probably every evening during the feast of tabernacles), diffusing their brilliancy, it is said, over all the city" - Jameison, Fausset, and Brown [As we examine the words of Jesus, we notice what is implied about the world in which we live...] I. THERE IS DARKNESS IN THE WORLD A. THE SYMBOLISM OF DARKNESS... 1. Used metaphorically to symbolize distress, mourning, perplexity, ignorance and death - Isa 9:1-2; Job 5:14; 12: 24-25; 10:21; 17:13 2. Used figuratively of moral depravity - cf. Jn 3:19; Ro 13: 12-13; Ep 5:11 B. THE REALITY OF DARKNESS... 1. Seen in the news (terrorism, war, oppression, sexual abuse, greed) 2. Viewed in the media (pornography, filthy language) 3. Experienced in life (adultery, physical and verbal abuse, false religions) 4. As described by the apostle Paul, many walk in darkness... - cf. Ep 4:17-19 a. In the futility of their minds b. Darkened in their understanding c. Alienated from the life of God d. Ignorant because of the blindness of their heart e. Past feeling, given over to lewdness f. Working all uncleanness with greediness [While there may be varying degrees of darkness in which people find themselves, if they live in the world they must contend with darkness. To those in darkness, Jesus offers hope...] II. JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD A. HE IS THE LIGHT... 1. A claim made elsewhere in the gospel a. In the prologue - Jn 1:4-9 b. By Jesus on other occasions - Jn 9:5; 12:35,46 2. He is the light, not a light a. Indicating that He alone provides the true light b. Even as He alone provides the true and living way - cf. Jn 14:6 3. As the light, Jesus is the source of life - Jn 8:12c a. The abundant life (with peace, joy, love) - Jn 10:10; cf. Jn 14:27; 15:10,11 b. The eternal life (including the resurrection) - Jn 11:25; 17:2 4. We must be wary of those who proclaim to offer "light" a. Some may be servants of Satan - cf. 2Co 11:13-15 b. At best, one can only reflect what light Jesus has already bestowed B. OF THE WORLD... 1. Not for the Jews only, but for Gentiles (the nations) as well a. As foretold by the prophets - cf. Isa 49:6; 60:1-3 b. As commanded of His apostles - cf. Ac 26:15-18 2. Available to all who believe, not an elect few a. To everyone who believes in Jesus - Jn 12:46 b. To those who follow Jesus - Jn 8:12b [How wonderful to know that in a world of darkness, we can have the light of life through Jesus Christ, the light of the world! Yet we should reiterate that He is truly the light...] III. FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW HIM A. BY BECOMING HIS DISCIPLE... 1. Note the connection between following Jesus and being a disciple a. The word "disciple" means a follower, a learner b. Only those who follow Him will have the light of life c. Therefore only those who become His disciples will walk in His light 2. How one becomes a disciple (or follower) of Jesus a. It begins with faith - Jn 12:46 b. It includes baptism - cf. Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:16 B. BY ABIDING IN HIS WORD... 1. Only by abiding in His Word... a. Are we truly His disciples (followers) - Jn 8:31 b. Do we truly have Christ - cf. 2Jn 9 2. As we abide in His words, we not only walk in light, we become light! a. Reflecting the light of Christ - cf. Php 2:15-16 b. Proving what is acceptable, exposing that which is not - cf. Ep 5:8-14 c. The light of the world, bringing glory to our Father in heaven - cf. Mt 5:14-16 CONCLUSION 1. Are you confused, stumbling in a morass of darkness, making a mess of your life...? a. Come to Jesus, the light of the world b. Follow Him, who will give you the light of life 2. You can become a light to others walking in darkness... a. As you reflect the light of Christ in your own life b. As you abide in His teachings, and follow His doctrine In a world of darkness, let us walk in the light of Him who leads us to both the abundant life and eternal life...!Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011
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