Jesus, the Living Word and the Light of the World
Brothers and sisters, let us turn our hearts and minds to the opening verses of John’s Gospel, a passage that paints a breathtaking portrait of Jesus Christ, the Living Word and the Light of the World.
Some Make Light of…
- Opportunities of Salvation (2 Cor. 6:2; Rom. 10:13-15; Prov. 1:24-28).
- Cost of Redemption (1 Pet. 1:18-20; Heb 9:22; Rom. 5:6-8).
- Inspiration of Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21; Acts 1:16).
- Authority of Scriptures (Matt. 17:5; 1 Pet. 4:11; Lk. 16:27-31).
- Values of Worship (Ps. 122:1; Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:25).
1. Jesus, the Eternal Word (John 1:1)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
These words declare a profound truth: Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good teacher; He is the eternal Word, the divine Logos, who existed before all creation. He is God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father.
2. Jesus, the Creator of All (John 1:3)
“All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
From the vast expanse of the cosmos to the smallest atom, everything was created by Jesus. He is the source of all life, the architect of the universe. This truth underscores His authority and His power.
3. Jesus, the Light that Shines in the Darkness (John 1:5)
“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
Sin brought darkness into the world, a darkness of spiritual blindness and moral decay. But Jesus came as the Light, piercing through the darkness, offering hope and redemption. Though the world often rejects this light, it continues to shine, offering salvation to all who will receive it.
4. John the Baptist, the Forerunner of Light (John 1:6)
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.”
John the Baptist was sent as a witness, a forerunner to prepare the way for Jesus. His mission was to point to the Light, to call people to repentance, and to prepare them for the coming of the Messiah. Like John, our mission is to point others to Christ, to be witnesses of His light in a dark world.
5. The Rejection of Jesus by the World (John 1:10)
“He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world did not know him.”
The tragic irony of the Gospel is that Jesus, the Creator, was rejected by His own creation. The hardened human heart, blinded by sin, often fails to recognize the truth. This rejection highlights the depth of our need for God's grace.
6. The Privilege of Those Who Receive Him (John 1:12)
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
For those who receive Jesus, who believe in His name, a remarkable privilege is granted: they become children of God. This is not a birthright, but a gift of grace, a spiritual rebirth that transforms us from the inside out.
7. The Incarnation of the Word (John 1:14)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory.”
The Word, the eternal Son of God, took on human flesh and dwelt among us. This is the miracle of the incarnation, God becoming man, Emmanuel, God with us. In Jesus, we see the glory of God revealed, the Father made known.
8. The Fullness of Grace and Truth (John 1:17)
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Moses brought the Law, revealing God's righteous standards. But Jesus brought grace and truth, fulfilling the Law and offering forgiveness and redemption. In Christ, we find the perfect balance between justice and mercy, between law and love.
9. Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29)
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, the perfect sacrifice for sin. Jesus came to take away our sins, not just cover them. His sacrifice on the cross provides the only way for us to be reconciled to God.
10. The Call to Follow Christ (John 1:38)
“When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What do you seek?’”
Jesus challenges us to examine our hearts, to reflect on what we are truly seeking. Are we seeking worldly pleasures, fleeting possessions, or are we seeking the Living Word, the Light of the World? Discipleship is a call to follow Christ, to walk with Him, to learn from Him, and to know Him more deeply.
- Sermon on John 3:16 - Three things God gave us
- Sermon on Isaiah 61 The Year of the Lord's Favor
- Sermon on Influences on Young People
Conclusion
Brothers and sisters, Jesus is the Living Word, the Light of the World. He is the source of life, the Savior of our souls, and the hope of glory. Let us receive Him, let us follow Him, and let us shine His light into the darkness. Let us walk in the light, and let us proclaim His truth to the world. Amen.
