John 1:1-5
1 In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
3 God created everything through Him, and nothing was
created except through Him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and His life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
“Life” and “Light” are two key words in our text today. John writes quite a lot about “life” and “light.
“Back in the days before electricity, a money tight farmer reluctantly gave one of his hired help a lantern that the young man wanted to borrow. The young man wanted court his best girl that night. The old farmer exclaimed, "When I was young and went on a date, I never carried one of them things. I always went in the dark." The young man looked at [the old farmer] and said, "Yes,…and look what you got!”
“Making decisions in the dark can lead to … regrettable consequences.” -source unknown
Last week we looked at the opening verses of the Gospel of John. Those verses identify, call out who the “Word” is…Jesus.
We learned Jesus is eternal. Always has been, always will be!
We learned Jesus not only has the authority of God, but that He is God.
We learned Jesus is God revealed to man.
And, we learned when see Jesus for who He is…we understand both our need for Him and His purpose for our lives. It should drive us to obedience and worship!
Today we build on all of that and see that Jesus is both Life and Light…
John 1:4
The Word [Jesus] gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone.
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. NKJV
Some of you will soon flock to Florida for vacation or a winter escape.
In the year 1513, Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, sailed to the western coast of Florida. He’d been told of a spring of water which could restore life. He believed the story, and he began a lifelong exploration trying to find it. He never found this “fountain of youth”. Believing a fable, he died trying to obtain something that never existed.
There is no fountain of youth in Florida or anywhere.
But, there is a fountain of Life - Jesus!
Jesus is the Source for life.
God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. John 1:3
Everything that exists came to exist through Jesus Christ at creation. Jesus gave life to everything.
Yet, verse 4 of our text is talking about more than a physical life birthed/created, but a spiritual life given/purposed for eternity…
1 John 5:11-12
11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.
There are only two groups of people in this world: You either have the Son or you don’t. Believer/Unbeliever.
There is no third party, undecided group. Indecision is a decision. You either have the Son, or you don’t have the Son. You either have life, or you are a dead man/woman walking.
“...His life brought light to everyone.” vs. 4
Not only is Jesus the source of physical and spiritual life, but He is also the source for the direction of man’s life.
Jesus is a “guiding light”. https://www.preceptaustin.org/john_15_commentary
“... “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12
We as humans, as most of creation, are drawn to light. God has made us this way.
No one likes to sit in complete darkness. The average home has 67 lights. We like light! https://www.fortnightly.com/fortnightly/2015/12-0/how-many-lights-home-energy-dept-counted
Light helps you see. Light keeps you from stumbling/falling/tripping over something in the dark. Light reveals the path and keeps you safely on the path.
You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. Psa. 18:28
Light brings knowledge. Light brings understanding. Light reveals Truth! Jesus Christ is the Light!
John 12:46
I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Me will no longer remain in the dark.
If you are looking for direction in your life…You can trust the light of Jesus. He promises to direct your path, to lead you out of darkness.
John 12:35b-36
35b “…Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.
36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”
Jesus Christ is the Light! Jesus Christ is your guiding Light! Jesus Christ is also your “revealing light”! https://www.preceptaustin.org/john_15_commentary
John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
In a world of sin/darkness…in a world of disobedience to God, in a world of unbelief…in a world deceived by the lies/deception of satan…Jesus is the “Light”/ “Revealing” Light.
The darkness of this world is not able to “overcome” the power of Jesus’ Light!
“Just as a single candle can overcome a room filled with darkness, so also the powers of darkness are overcome by the person and work of the Son through His death on the cross.” -John MacArthur Study Bible Notes
If your world ever seems dark. If you’ve ever felt helpless or hopeless. If you’ve ever felt you’ve lost your way. God wants you to know that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Jesus is the Light, and His Light is victorious over all darkness. “Put your trust in the light…”
Psalm 36:9
For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4:6
Jesus will light up your darkness if you will look into His light! God will reveal to you truth and wisdom like you have never known before from His light!
Man's Rejection of the Light…
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5
Jesus Christ came as the Light of the world. He came to give eternal life. To give knowledge and understanding of the life that is in Him, and through Him.
But, there is a problem. It’s not a God/Jesus problem.
It’s an “us” problem…
And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. John 3:19
Why would anyone choose to walk or live in darkness? “...but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. John 3:19b-20
People do not want to admit/acknowledge their sin. People do not want their sin exposed. But, this is at their own peril. Jesus came to forgive sins, not condemn…
Romans 5:8-10
8 But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.
10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son.
Why would anyone walk in darkness? They are blinded by satan’s deception…
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing.
4 satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
Refusing the Light or being blinded to the Light are choices. You will not be able to blame satan.
satan “...blinded the minds of those who don’t believe…” vs. 4
Jesus said to those who choose/desire to live in spiritual darkness here on earth, those who choose not to accept Him as their Savior…those who choose not to accept Him as the Light of the world…He said they…
“...will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 8:12b
You choose darkness here…you will live in darkness forever. A darkness you don’t even want to imagine.
Life Application: I read earlier… Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. 1 John 5:12
Do you have the Son, does the Son have you?
Jesus is the Light, shining in the darkness, revealing your sin…guiding/directing you to your need of a Savior.
1 John 5:7-9
7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If you have the Son…If you’ve made that decision, then the Bible says Live as people of Light!...
Ephesians 5:8-10, 15-17
8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!
9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
…
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Jesus is both life and light. Walk in His light! Live as people of Light!
Psalm 36:9
For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
