Sermon Nuggets Thurs May 29, 2008
Theme The Light of the World
Verses- John 8:27-30 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.
28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."
30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
God’s Historic Records v. 27-30.
Thinking again on the illustration of the lighthouse, it served a purpose for guidance, for security, for authority. Jesus is the light to show the way, but why should people follow? Bottom line because He is their salvation. For some they needed to see that His prophecies came about just as he said it would. John recalls His words which had greater impact after his resurrection.
Through Jesus Christ we are asked to commit ourselves to what eye hath not seen, nor ear heard. How do we dare believe in Him? Do we dare trust him? Dare we risk anything valuable on the basis of his being trustworthy? All depends on faith in Jesus. But that faith also is founded on God's historic record!
When the Lord Jesus Christ claimed to be the light of the world He was claiming to be these three things for His people-God with them, the source of protection, and the One who guides, but this is only for those who follow Him.
Now into this world which has gone wrong comes Christ; and he comes with the cure. He brings forgiveness for sin and cleaning from sin, He brings strength and grace to live as man ought and to make the world what it ought to be. But a man can refuse a cure. Just like a physician that tells a patient, "If you do not do as I tell you and take this medicine, you are going to die." Jesus is saying, If you will not believe that I am who I am you will die in your sins." If men do not accept the cure for their souls they will die. Only Jesus can bring that cure.
Jesus was able to bring that cure because of the cross. The passage tells us that Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know who I am and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me." He first talked of being lifted up in John 3 during the conversation with Nicodemus. He was comparing himself with the serpent on the pole in the Old Testament. The people were saved from snake bites when they looked to the pole for their salvation. Jesus take on himself our sin when he goes to the cross and the punishment of God on man now falls on Himself in the person of Jesus. When people look to the Savior on the cross they are forgiven of their sins and the snake bite no longer affects them. Satan no longer has control. Jesus saves.
The cross gives us a much greater advantage than the people of Jesus day. The cross made the difference. History affirms that He died unjustly, was buried in a borrowed tomb and rose again. Many witnesses saw Him, spoke to Him, and watched him eat. His special friends were there when He ascended into heaven. We have the teaching of the cross and the explanation as to it's place is in the redemptive plan. But in that day how would they know except by faith in his words and works, and in his character?
The cross is necessary because Christ's death was part of God's eternal plan to save sinners. Nothing else could accomplish God's purpose. No other person existed who could pay the price of our sin so that we might be forgiven for our sin and go free. No man could do it. Men are all sinners, and must pay the price of their own transgression.
But it is the also at the cross that we have the fullest proof of Christ's divinity and teaching. When Jesus died there is no longer ignorance as to who he was. Only if they would believe in Him. When he arose there could be no greater historical fact as we have seen many times how the people and world has changed. That testimony points to the authenticity of His salvation claims. Either we accept the gift or not. It is hard to explain away his predictions and then execution of God’s plan. The historical records are there with many evidences.
In our day there is never a time in history when there was more knowledge about Jesus Christ and yet in which so few seem willing to follow Him. Lack of knowledge can hardly be pleaded as an excuse by those of our well-educated and informed generation.
Pastor Dale
