Let There Be Light

John 1:4-13

– Last week, we saw that Jesus is the eternal, pre-existent “Word” of God who reveals the heart and mind of our invisible God

– As we continue our Advent series, we see John introducing a new metaphor to help us understand the person and work of Jesus Christ:  Light

I.  The Source of Light (vv. 4-5)

1)     The Nature of Light

a.       Light exposes and reveals

b.      Light gives life  (cf. John 8:12)

c.       Light is totally pure and remains undefiled by anything it touches

2)     Light and Creation

a.     In Creation the Word of God spoke and light immediately pieced the darkness (Gen 1:3)

b.    The Creation narrative of Genesis prefigures the Christmas narrative

• The physical world is designed to point us toward even greater spiritual realities!
• Jesus is the “true light” coming into the world which enlightens everyone (v. 9)
• When Jesus came into the world, light once again pierced through the darkness
  • Isaiah 9:2, cf. Matthew 4:16
  • Isaiah 42:6-7

c.       Light always overcomes darkness (v. 5)

• In Creation
• In the Incarnation
• At the Cross
• In the New Birth (2 Corinthians 4:3-6)

 

II. The Reflection of Light (vv. 6-8)

1)     Ministry of John the Baptist

a.     A prophet from God who came in the spirit and power of Elijah  (Isaiah 40:1-5; Malachi 4:5-6)

b.    John was to Jesus what the moon is to the sun!

c.     Some of John’s followers exalted him too highly even though John was crystal clear about his relationship to Jesus (v. 8, cf. John 3:30)

2)     Our Responsibility:   Jesus, is the true light of the world, but we His disciples follow in the footsteps of John the Baptist by reflecting His light to the dark world around us!  (Matthew 5:14-16)

• Words – declaring the gospel to others
• Deeds – living our lives that reflect the priorities and values of God’s Kingdom

III. Our Response to the Light (vv. 9-13)

1)     A Universal Light that “enlightens everyone”

a.     Greek verb indicates external ‘enlightenment’ (the light shining upon something) rather than internal illumination of the heart

• Doesn’t mean that Jesus saves everyone!
• Doesn’t support Wesley’s view that God’s ‘prevenient grace’ overcomes the effects of the Fall in every individual person

b.    The truth about God shines brightly wherever the Word – Jesus Christ is proclaimed as Lord

2)     A Dividing Light

a.     In the Creation narrative of Genesis, light created a division between Day and Night

b.    In John’s narrative, the appearance of the ‘true light’ also creates a division

• Those who reject Him  (cf. John 3:19-20)
• Those who receive Him (cf. John 3:21)

Application:   What is your response to the true Light from God?  Will you allow Him to overcome your sin and darkness this Christmas?