The Miracles and the Ministry of the Messiah in the Book of Mark
Week 6: ‘Be the Light By Living the Life’
Mark 4:21-25
Crossroads Community Church
Rev. Ricky A. Rohrig Sr., Founding Pastor
April 19, 2015
I want to share a brief illustration, I remember when I lived at home with my parents it was night time and obviously very dark and I stumbled into the kitchen to get something to drink. I grabbed a pink mug out of the cupboard and proceeded to pour pink juice into a pink cup while it was dark. Needless to say because it was dark and the color of the juice and the color of the mug were the same color I proceeded to make a mess. I learned my lesson that night, if you want to see what is going on, you need to turn on the light.
So let’s talk about darkness and light: those who live in darkness are confused, unable to see reality. Lost in a world of illusion they make judgments based on mere appearances, and are simply unable to grasp what is important and true. Darkness is a place where you literally cannot see what is going on, things get hidden in the darkness.
John 3:19-21
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Light, on the other hand, cuts through this darkness to unveil the right and the true. And Jesus is the Cornerstone of the kingdom of light; we begin to “see” when we acknowledge Him as the eternal Son of God. It’s hard to hide in the light
But “light” also has a moral dimension. And it is this moral dimension that Jesus affirmed as He not only presented Himself to Israel as God, but also claimed the right to establish a grace morality which is far higher than the legalistic morality of the Jews, for it alone truly reflects the morality of God.
John 1:1-11
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
The imagery of opposites is an important aspect of Johannine theology. Paired opposites—such as light and darkness (John 1:5), heaven and earth (3:12; 8:23), flesh and spirit (3:6), and belief versus unbelief (3:18)—are striking in their impact when encountered by the reader. These pairs of polar opposites have often been described as dualistic, but this may be misleading if dualism is understood in a philosophical sense. For example, John did not place light and darkness on the same level. In the Johannine frame of reference, darkness is not the counterpart of light but its absence, the separation from and removal of the One who is the Light of the world. By means of polarized imagery John was able to emphasize to his readers that they, like all people, face alternative choices. When it comes to one’s response to Jesus, these choices are of enormous importance because they determine one’s eternal destiny. To John, there was no middle ground.
Today I am going to minister about light and darkness, from this thought, ‘Be the Light By Living the Life’
A. The importance of light in scripture
1. Light comes from God (Genesis 1:-5)
2. God is light (Psalm 27:1)
3. God’s Word enlightens our path (Psalm 119:105)
4. God can turn darkness into light (Isaiah 42:16)
5. Christians are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)
6. Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
7. Light shines in the hearts of Christians (2 Corinthians 4:6)
B. What are we to do with the Light?
So if you have your Bible turn with me to Mark 4:21-25
Mark 4:21-25
21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
As Christians when we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior we make a conscious choice to no longer serve the prince of the darkness, but the King of kings, Lord of Lords, our Messiah, and the true source of light, Jesus Christ. At the moment it is like you are literally and figuratively turning on a light switch. Things that you could never see, hear, or understand not become clear.
So now you know about the light and choose light what are you supposed to do with it?
21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
What is the purpose of light, is it to be hidden?
22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
Lighting exposes things that were in the dark that are now manifested into light, no more secret hiding, no more sinful living that you think no one knows. When you are a child of the light, your life becomes more transparent and all your sin, darkness, and secrets become visible because you are revealing yourself and committing yourself before Christ and are accountable to Him.
• Don’t hide your light.
• Let it shine for the entire world to see.
• Light our world for Christ.
23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
Those of you that were hear last week remember the parable of the sower and Jesus explaining that if you can understand that parable you have the ability to understand all parables.
So now Jesus is stating a fact and giving a commandment
Those you that have ears and can hear let him hear. Now though our ears, understanding and knowledge. But by the Holy Spirit’s directional guidance for our lives and to hear now what thus saith the Lord.
24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
Jesus is now giving a warning by saying if we comprehend and have the ability to hear what Jesus is saying (the accurate truth) more truth will be revealed unto you. However if you refuse, reject, or discard to hear the truth you it is up to you.
C. The results of sharing the light
John 8:12
(after woman caught in adultery)
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Jesus in this particular passage of scripture:
• commands authority by stating I am
• the light (only one)
• in the world Greek for kosmos (which is full of darkness)
• Whoever follows Jesus
• Won’t walk in darkness – called to be set apart sanctified consecrated
• To make a difference you have to be different
• Jesus promises you will have the light of the world (which there is only one)
The only people that cannot see the light are people blind
• The only way to be blind is physically or blinded by the sins of this world
• When you cannot see Jesus as the light of the world you cannot have a personal relationship with Him
o When you cannot have a personal relationship with Him you cannot have salvation
o Without salvation you cannot go to heaven
• It all starts with Jesus
Matthew 5:16
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
• To let your light shine you first have to have the light
• Notice it does not say just to the church
• They need to see your light to be able to bear witness to the light
• Give God the glory in every and all areas in your life
When the church gets to casual we become comfortable. When we get too comfortable then we become content. Then we get too content we stop reaching the lost for Christ. When the message of Jesus Christ is not shared the culture does not get influenced. If our culture is not influenced by the church and the message of Christ then there is no change! Finally when there is no change there is chaos. It all starts with the church and you and I are the church.
Practical Application:
1. First you have to have a relationship with Jesus Christ as stated earlier
2. Always strive to grow closer to Christ in all areas of your life
3. Be the shining light to those first around you, then eventually everyone you encounter
Will you step up, step out and be the church for Christ this week?
• Bring light to a world that lives in darkness.
• By sharing Jesus and lighting your world around you.
• Tell your friends, family, and acquaintances.
• By becoming a reflection of Jesus Christ.
Moment(s) of decision
During our moment of decision: what do you need God to do in your life so you can be beacon of light for Him?
Today is the day of transparency:
Do you need God to reveal himself to you more completely?
Do you need to serve Him more?
Do you need help in an area of your life?
What will it look like if we start being, living, and sharing the light of Christ to all those we know?
What area or areas do you need to help you, guide you, or save you from so you can be the light of the world for Him?
