Pastor Hector Clerveaux

Jesus, Light of the world

Text: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” John 1: 1-9

Int. The opening of the Book of Genesis presented a perfect God at work. After creating everything, the Holy Trinity created man in their image and their likeness. Adam and Eve were both perfect. However, it didn’t take them too long to turn their back against God. Their disobedient plunged the world in a deep darkness. The introduction of sin into our world caused a major separation between a holy God and a fallen and sinful creation. Mankind was running away from God, the Light, toward Lucifer, the prince of darkness. “Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him: Where are you?” (Gen.3:9). From that day, every descendant of Adam and Eve is born in darkness, separated from God.

    1. First plan of rescue and reconciliation. Genesis 3: 21
      In spite of the disobedient of Adam and Eve, the love of God obliged Him to make a plan of rescue for His most beautiful creation fallen in darkness. They were trying to cover their sin by sewing fig leaves together. But, God knew what was needed is a blood sacrifice. “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” (Gen.3:21). In that plan of rescue, there are a few important messages:

      1. The first creature to die was not Adam or his wife, but an animal.
      2. That sacrifice throughout the Old Testament was a shadow of a greater reality to come.
      3. God will offer one day a substitute to redeem mankind from sin.

      God could have decided to start anew by killing the first couple. But He chose instead to repair their relationship, even tough, He didn’t remove the consequences of their disobedient. That gesture of compassion proves his love for mankind in the Garden and in our time.

    2. Announcement of the Light of the world- Isaiah 8:22-23; 9:1-2
      The prophet Isaiah heralded the coming of a Messiah, the Light of the world about 700 years before his birth. All the animal sacrifices couldn’t bring about a true and permanent relationship between God and man. The spiritual condition of man was desperate in God’s sight, and the future was gloomed. “Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish, and they will be driven into darkness.” (Isaiah 8:22).
      Suddenly, the prophet brings a message of hope in the middle of despair among mankind: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light have shined.” (Isaiah 9:2). However, there was a period of 400 years of silence, where God didn’t speak at all to man. The Neo-Testament period was a time of deep darkness in the world. There were no prophets and no messengers from God.

      …

    3. Jesus, Light of the world- John 1:1-9
      The Gospel according to Matthew opens with great news: “Jesus, the promised Messiah, the Light of the world, is born.” It didn’t take too long for Mark, Luke and John to begin presenting to the world God’s plan of reconciliation with man. John took upon himself to present who Jesus is and his mission:

      1. TRUE and only LIGHT- John 1:4, 5, 7, 9
      2. PURPOSE of the coming of the LIGHT – John 8:12; 12:46
      3. DANGER of rejecting the LIGHT – John 3: 16-21
      4. URGENCY of getting into the LIGHT – John 12: 35-36

    Conclusion – We are all born in darkness (in sin); apart from a relationship with Jesus, the Light of the world, mankind is condemned to spend eternity in hell. As God rescued Adam and Eve after their disobedient, He also makes a plan through Jesus to save you. Come to the Light! He will receive you, just as you are.


    Merry Christmas to all the members and friends of Redemption Baptist Church!

    Pastor Hector Clerveaux