Sermon Tone Analysis

 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (2): REQUIRES RESPONSE

(John 1:9-13)

December 4, 2022

Read John 1:9-13 - Paul makes an amazing comment in II Cor 2: 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.

Who is sufficient for these things?"

Who indeed is sufficient for such things?

Our gospel sends some to heaven; some to hell.

Last week we saw that the only reason we have a message by which people might be saved at all is not because of us - it's because the light of the world entered the world stage in 4 BC in the person of Jesus Christ.

We saw I. Light Revealed in Christ and II.

Light Ratified by John the Baptist.

As the light, Christ is the only answer to the moral and spiritual darkness that has engulfed mankind since Eden.

His light both exposes us for who we are, and reveals God for who He is.

Hi light shows us we are more sinful than we dare imagine, but we are more loved than we could ever dare hope.

The light of Christ reveals those truths light a neon sign.

It shows, on our own we are doomed; but in Christ we can have forgiveness and cleansing.

It seems like a message that no one in their right mind would turn down.

The light of Christ forces all to a decision.

For most it's III.

Light Rejected.

For a few it is IV.

Light Received.

A fragrance of death to many; but a fragrance of life to some.

Today's question is, have you come to the light?

III.

Light Rejected

Greatest moment in world history?

The discovery of fire; the invention of the wheel; the splitting of the atom.

All are important.

But none compares to the entry of Almighty God into human history in the person of Jesus Christ.

That, and the life that followed, is the capstone of world events.

Here it is in v. 9 which might be translated, "While coming into the world, the true light is giving light to everyone."

A lot of false lights came before, and many more after - philosophies, religions and naturalistic worldviews.

But here it is - the only true light came direct from God because He was God.

Imagine the sacrifice represented in those simple words.

The One who created all things: "and without him was not anything made that was made" chose to become part of His own creation in order to bring light into a deeply darkened world.

Now, in v. 10, "world" is used 3 times - in emphatic position each time.

It's a big point.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him."

"World" can describe the physical world, or humanity in general, but most often, it refers to the anti-God system of thought that pervades human society since the fall.

Here, physical creation is in view in the first 2 instances - Jesus created all things and then became part of His own creation.

"He was (continuously, impf) in the world, and the world was made by him" - so you'd think He'd get a warm reception - like a hero.

But it was not so.

The Fall of mankind has resulted in a mindset that's not receptive to its own Creator and so, "the world did not know him."

What?

They overlooked Him.

The Greek language has multiple words for "know"; the one John uses means to know in a relational sense - to welcome, enter into a relationship with.

Failure to do so is a blatant act of rejection.

The rejection was inexcusable.

His miracles attested from the beginning His authority over every sphere of influence from nature, to demons and even death.

His supremacy was on display in every sermon, every sign, every act of compassion.

To reject Him was to deny clear and compelling evidence.

But, the world system rejected Him.

So, did His Jewish relatives.

11 He came to his own (neuter, creation), and his own people (masc) did not receive him."

One of the saddest verses in the Bible.

It wasn't just a failure to notice Him; it was a failure to receive Him for who He is.

There is an example late in His ministry.

He's just told His audience He must be lifted up - meaning His death.

Jn 12:34 So the crowd answered him, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever.

How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up?"

They are referring to Dan 7:14b saying of the Son of Man: "his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."

That's what they were looking for; what they desperately wanted.

Messiah to come with His forever kingdom.

They don't get the spiritual forgiveness and cleansing that must come first.

Jn 12: 35 So Jesus said to them, "The light is among you for a little while longer.

Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you.

The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.

36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light."

Of course, they refused.

He wasn't who they thought He should be.

"When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.

37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him."

They wanted Him on their terms; not His.

They refused the light that was right in front of them.

So it has ever been.

People want the gifts, but not the Giver.

Like the two thieves on the cross beside Jesus.

One said, "Are you not the Christ?

Save yourself and us!" (Lu 23:39b).

He wanted what Jesus might give Him.

The other said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Lu 23:43).

One wanted bread for now; the other wanted the bread of life.

So, what do you want?

Him or what He gives you?

Why do people reject Christ?

Because they want His miracles, but not Him.

But there is even a more devastating reason they reject.

You'd think people would welcome light.

Light is good.

You enter a dark room, what do you do?

You turn on the light.

You want to see where you are going.

But you know who does not want the light?

Someone who doesn't want to be found out.

Someone who has something to hide.

And that's all of us, isn't it?

There was a wonderful man in our church many years ago -- a rabid football fan.

One Sunday, I'm preaching away when suddenly I hear Dick Enberg describing a play and shouting the score of the Rams game.

This guy had his transistor radio, complete with earphones, listening to the game.

But the earphones came out, and his ruse was foiled.