WHO IS JESUS? Part 5

"I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"
December 23, 2007
with Adam Waters

MARK SALISBURY shared his “I AM’s” this weekend.

Introduction
• If you have need of glasses or contacts to see clearly, then sometimes middle of the night wake-ups are among the hardest things for us:
o Told story of Zeke’s 3am bottles
• LIGHT ~ glow, beam, bright, luminous, day, radiant, God, energy, dawn, the way to see, source of fire, visible, to give something animation
• DARK ~ dim, shady, shadow, murky, gloomy, sinister, night, miserable, angry, nasty, closed, simply lack of light
• In comes Jesus with a “new” view on the messiah once again.
o He claims to be the embodiment of truth and life (not the Law).
o He claims to be the TRUE vine (not Israel).
o He claims to be our TRUE nourishment (not physical food).
o He now claims not to bring light to the world, but to be it’s light!

LIGHT OF THE WORLD
John 1:1-9: Jesus is the essence of creation from the beginning
 Light was made before darkness.
 Light was made before the sun and stars (day 4!)
 Genesis 1:1-5
John 3:19-21: Jesus calls us to make a choice.
 Who do you love?
 Will you hide in the shadows?
 Will you ‘come to the light’?
John 11:9-10: Jesus lights our path.
 We will not go safely without Jesus.
 Danger of stumbling when you ‘dance in the dark’.
John 12:35-36: Jesus ignites childlike faith.
 Walk in belief.
 Children of light! Also see EPHESIANS 4:17-32 and/or 5:1-14
John 12:44-50: Jesus comes to stamp out darkness.
 Trust me, obey me, follow me, build friendship with me.
 I’m here to save from darkness (47).
 Revelation 21 describes the new Jerusalem…vs 22-27 ~ there will be no need for any light but the LAMB and NOTHING EVIL will enter.

WRAP UP…
• Jesus comes to show that His words are powerful (way, truth, life).
• Jesus comes to invite us into intimate relationship (vine).
• Jesus comes to nourish our souls (bread).
• BUT, Jesus comes to leave us with a choice… walk in darkness OR live in light.