Life And Light

LIFE AND LIGHT

John 1:4-5

1) Jesus=Life. Vs. 4, “In him was life.”

• In Jesus is physical life. Life is found in Jesus. He is the Creator of life (vs. 3). A man and a woman cannot take credit for creating a life. Yes, they come together and through that, pregnancy occurs and nine months later a baby is born but that does not mean we can take the credit for producing life. Life does not happen unless God allows it to happen. And the woman does not do anything to develop the baby in her womb; this is done by God. Psalm 139:13, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” In Jesus is life.

• In Jesus is spiritual life. John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through me.” No one has physical life through anyone other than Jesus and no one has spiritual life through anyone other than Jesus. Jesus is THE way, not one of many ways to the Father. Nothing we do [good works] will gain us eternal life apart from trusting in Jesus. No other god [Buddha, Mohammed, etc.] other than Jesus can make us right with the Father. “All roads lead to God; most to his judgment, one to his forgiveness.” Jesus told Martha in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” Jesus is the way to eternal life. Without Jesus we are the living dead. We are alive physically but dead spiritually. Eph. 2:1, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.” That’s why we need to be born again. We were born of the flesh the first time around, now we need to be born of the Spirit. And that can only be accomplished through Christ. 1st John 5:11-12, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Without Jesus there is no eternal life.

• In Jesus is the fullness of life. John 10:10, “The thief [Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” How’s your life? Are you fulfilled? What’s missing? For too many of us, we would say, “If I just had more money I would be happy.” “If I just had more stuff I would be satisfied.” “If I just had a good man/woman in my life I would be fulfilled.” Yet here’s the thing-if money, fame, power or things provided the fullness of life then every celebrity would be the most joyous people on the planet. But what do you find? Many celebrities are in and out of rehab, in and out of jail, in and out of relationships, committing suicide. The fullness of life is found in nothing this world has to offer. The fullness of life is found in Jesus.

2) Jesus=Light.

• Jesus is the light. He is the source of life. He is also the source of light. John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Cultural Background - “The Jews celebrated a ceremony called “The Illumination of the Temple.” It took place in the court of the women. The court was very dark, surrounded by deep galleries. In the center stood four great candelabras. When darkness descended, each of the candelabras were lit, which in turn lit up the courtyard. During the night, the priest and the people danced and sang songs of joy. It is with this understanding that Jesus makes this comment to the Pharisees that surrounded him - “I am the light of the world.” In essence, he is saying, “Your candles only light up this courtyard, but I can bring light to the whole world.” Light is good in that it helps us see. When we come to Christ, the Holy Spirit shows us things in the world, in ourselves, in others that we never saw before. In the wisdom of the light, we see the things that would take us down. The light helps us to recognize falsehood and deception. This can save us from making costly mistakes. Also, in the wisdom of the light of God’s word we will be able to see. Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” The people of Jesus’ day understood darkness. They didn’t have the modern conveniences that you and I have. To walk from one place to another they actually tied oil lamps to their feet. David used this to create an analogy highlighting the importance of getting God’s word into us. Through the teachings of the bible we will have light to see the spiritual dangers that lie ahead of us. Psalm 119:130, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Jesus’ light makes things clearer for us.