Jesus: The Light of Man

I. Text: John 1:1-5

II. Our understanding of light

A. It shows dangers and obstacles hidden in the dark

B. It shows the way of safety in the dark

C. It scatters the darkness and gives us comfort

III. A place without light

A. Imagine being in a place without light (ie., cave when lights are turned off)

B. Would not be able to see the way to safety

C. Would not be able to see dangers and obstacles

D. Would not know if you were going in circles Would not see dangers (drop off in a cave)

E. Would have no perspective of oneself in relationship to the world

F. Am I a big part of a small world? Am I a small part of a big world? Could have an inflated view of one’s self in the darkness

IV. Jesus is the light of men

A. He gives true en lightenment; true vision.

B. He shines on us and shows us what we are really like

C. If we are willing to examine ourselves through His word, we can see ourselves as we really are, Hebrews 4:12-13. Most people do not want to see themselves, view their own weaknesses and sin, but God always sees us like this. We will see ourselves like this in judgment so we better examine ourselves now while we can make changes. We will never see perfection, but we will always see strong and weak points, areas to strengthen and things to eliminate. We have to see ourselves as God sees us if we want to learn to live as we ought.

D. He gives us a proper perspective

E. The way we view sin and the way God views sin is often different.

F. Isaiah 5:20 – Call evil good and good evil Isaiah 55:9 – God’s ways are higher than our ways The real meaning of life compared to man’s view of life as meaningless

G. True perspective of riches, fame, and worldly things

H. Not wrong of themselves but not lasting. Not the purpose of existence The end of all things versus “Is this all there is?” True living versus simple existence

I. Shows us the dangers and obstacles

J. Jesus gives us the good and the bad up front so we can count the cost.

K. Satan only shows the good, the bad awaits later in life or judgment. Jesus acknowledges the trials of life but points to the reward. His light shows the peril of worldly living that most have to learn by experience. Jesus shows the future of those who do not obey Him, 2 Thess. 1:6-10

L. Shows us the path to life

M. Teaches us obedience by command and example, Ps 119:9, 105 Teaches godly living and the true meaning of life, Ps 119:97-104 Jesus is the only path of life, John 14:6, Luke 9:23-26

V. Most people choose the darkness

A. Even with the promise of eternal life and the hope of a better life on this earth, most people choose the darkness.

B. Some love it because their deeds are evil and they think they are hidden.

C. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9 – We are of the day Like roaches, they will run at the presence of the light. All deeds and words will be revealed in the judgment, Eph 5:8-13

D. Some are blinded and will not see the light

E. Colossians 2:1-4 – They close their eyes to God. John 9:39-41 – Pharisees blinded themselves

VI. Do not love the darkness, pursue the light and live