Sermon Central
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I Am The Light Of The World Series
Contributed by Michael Deutsch on May 8, 2020 (message contributor)
Summary: A series on the I AM statements of Jesus and what they mean for us.
The Light of the World
May 10, 2020
Let’s start off with a little quiz - -
Q: How many mystery writers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: Two, one to screw it almost all the way in and the other to give it a surprising
twist at the end.
Q: How long does it take for a pastor to change a light bulb?
A: Nobody knows, everyone fell asleep while he was giving a sermon on it.
Q: How many Chicago fans does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None they said to wait until next year.
Q: How many birds does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: Toucan do it.
Q: How many NASCAR drivers does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A: None, they can only go left.
Last week we started looking at the “I AM” statements by Jesus. Obviously, we’re looking at what Jesus meant when He said, I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Have you ever noticed that light brings change? That’s the very nature of light. . . to bring change to any given situation. Change . . . it’s almost a nasty topic. Wherever you work, wherever you go to school, it does not matter ~ change is a hot topic, and that includes the church. Yet, in order to grow and mature, we must change, otherwise we remain stagnant and ultimately die.
Did you know that once you’re in a room that is completely dark, I mean pitch black dark, the room cannot get any darker. However, if you’re in a lighted room, it can always get brighter and brighter. Ever notice that when you have a simple night-light, this little bulb can really illuminate a room. Jesus proclaimed to be the LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Imagine the LIGHT that is available through Him. Jesus said,
I am the light of the world: whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
In order to understand why Jesus said He is the Light of the World, we need to understand the context. The Feast of Tabernacles had just concluded the day before. Tabernacles was a 7 day long festival celebrated by the Jews and is still celebrated today by the name of Sukkoth, which means ‘booths’.
In ancient Israel, the Priests would take 4 large candelabras, each containing 4 bowls of oil. These 16 golden bowls were placed high up in the Temple. The candles would be lit each night and it was believed all Jerusalem was illuminated from these candles. Remember, they didn’t have street lights.
This annual feast was inaugurated by God to help the Israelites remember that for 40 years they wandered in the wilderness before they finally entered the Promised Land (Leviticus 23:34-43). During this 7 day celebration . . .
. . . the entire nation camped out in booths. People would eat their meals in them, and some would eat and sleep in them. They were made of branches and leaves to remind the people of the hardships their ancestors endured in the wilderness.
The Feast of Tabernacles was a happy, joyous holiday as the Israelites would dance and sing, remembering God’s glory among them, as God traveled as a cloud during the day and fire at night. The celebration also focused on the promise of God sending a light, the Anointed One, the Messiah, who would free them from bondage.
Sacrifices were offered and Scriptures like Isaiah 9:2 were read:
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
On the final night the candelabras were extinguished and there was darkness. The lights were extinguished because God had not yet sent the Savior; so the Temple grows dark. The tents are torn down. And the next morning Jesus enters the Temple, He’s surrounded by people, and stands up and declares He is the Messiah,
again, saying - -
12 I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
Imagine the scene! In the very court where the lighting ceremony took place, Jesus stands beneath the 16 UNLIT bowls of oil and says He is the light of the whole world.
That’s a great history lesson, but what does all of this mean for us?
If Jesus is the light of the world, it means we should never have to walk in darkness again. Jesus is THE only way to God. He is the only way to living a life that is filled with peace and strength; grace and courage; love and mercy; forgiveness and power. We must seek the Light and follow the Light, Jesus.
