“Following Jesus, the Light of Our Hope”
SERMON Title: Following Jesus, the Light of Our Hope
SCRIPTURE: John 8:12 ESV
Introduction:
Have you ever noticed how even the smallest light can pierce the deepest darkness? Imagine being lost in a dense forest at night—cold, alone, and unsure of your direction. Then, suddenly, a flickering light appears in the distance. That one light changes everything. It draws you in, fills you with hope, and leads you toward safety and home.
As we gather today to celebrate Michael’s baptism, I want us to reflect on how the light of Jesus transforms us. Baptism is not just a ritual; it’s a profound symbol of stepping out of darkness and into the light of Christ. It is a declaration that we are leaving behind a life dominated by sin and embracing a new identity, one filled with hope and renewal in Jesus.
The light of Jesus shines into our brokenness, offering healing and transformation. His light doesn’t just guide us—it sustains us in every season of life. And as we celebrate this sacred act of baptism, may it remind us of the great hope we have in Christ, who is our light.
Today, I want to focus on three key aspects of Jesus’ words in John 8:12: His Declaration, His Invitation, and His Promise.
1. Jesus’ Declaration – “I Am the Light of the World”
In our text today, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). To fully grasp the power of these words, we need to understand the setting in which Jesus spoke them.
At this moment, Jesus was speaking during the Feast of Tabernacles, a week-long Jewish celebration that commemorated God’s faithfulness during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. During this festival, massive lampstands were lit in the temple courts every evening, casting a glorious light over the city. This light symbolized the pillar of fire by which God guided the Israelites in the wilderness, as recorded in Exodus 13:21:
“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.”
The light of the lampstands was a powerful reminder of God’s guiding presence and His faithfulness. But it also carried a deeper meaning—it pointed forward to the promise of God’s ultimate presence with His people.
On the final day of the Feast, when the lamps were extinguished, Jesus made a bold declaration: “I am the light of the world.” Imagine the impact of those words! Jesus was claiming to be the fulfillment of everything those lampstands symbolized. He wasn’t merely a teacher or prophet; He was declaring that He is the very presence of God, the true light that guides, sustains, and transforms.
When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world,” He was making a radical claim about His identity. Light, throughout Scripture, symbolizes God’s holiness, truth, and life-giving power. From the very beginning, in Genesis 1:3, when God said, “Let there be light,” light represented God’s creative and sustaining presence. The light of Jesus exposes darkness, reveals truth, and gives life.
This truth matters deeply for us today. We live in a world filled with spiritual darkness—brokenness, sin, and despair. Without Jesus, we stumble and fall, unable to find our way. But because Jesus is the light, He doesn’t just guide us—He transforms us from the inside out.
For Michael, today’s baptism is a testimony to this truth. Jesus’ light has broken into his life, dispelling darkness and leading him into the “light of life” (John 8:12). This isn’t just a one-time experience; it’s an ongoing reality. Jesus’ light will continue to shine in his life, bringing hope, clarity, and renewal.
And for all of us, Jesus’ declaration calls us to examine our hearts. Where are we relying on lesser lights—things that promise guidance or satisfaction but ultimately lead us into deeper darkness? Jesus invites us to trust Him completely, to let Him be our ultimate source of life and light.
2. Jesus’ Invitation – “Whoever follows me…”
Jesus’ declaration is not just a statement of who He is; it’s also an invitation. He says, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). This invitation is clear and compelling: Follow me!
But following Jesus requires more than mere belief—it calls for action. The Greek word for “follow” implies an ongoing commitment, a daily choice to trust and depend on Him. It’s not a one-time decision but a continuous journey of faith.
Think of the Israelites in the wilderness. Each day, they had to surrender their own plans and trust God to lead them. They followed the pillar of fire through unfamiliar and often challenging terrain, knowing that God’s presence was their only source of guidance and hope.
In the same way, Jesus calls us into a daily relationship with Him. Following Him means surrendering our own plans, trusting Him to illuminate our path, and obeying His leading even when the way forward feels uncertain.
Baptism is a powerful symbol of this commitment. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:3-4:
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. We leave behind our old lives of sin and step into the newness of life—a life defined by the light of Jesus.
3. Jesus’ Promise – “Will not walk in darkness…”
Finally, Jesus’ invitation comes with an extraordinary promise. He says, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
This promise speaks to the deepest needs of our hearts—the need for direction, purpose, and hope. Jesus’ light doesn’t just guide us; it transforms us. It delivers us from the darkness of sin, fear, and despair, and it fills us with His peace and joy.
The promise of the “light of life” is both a present reality and a future certainty. Here and now, Jesus’ light shines into our lives, guiding us through confusion, strengthening us in trials, and filling us with His hope. But this promise also points to eternity—a day when there will be no more darkness, no more tears, and no more suffering. Revelation 21:23 gives us a glimpse of this future:
“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”
In Christ, we have the assurance that His light will never fade and His presence will be with us forever.
And for all of us, may this sacred moment inspire us to renew our commitment to walk in the light of Jesus. Let His light expose the areas of our lives that need healing and renewal. Let His truth guide our decisions, and let His love radiate through us to a world still in need of hope.
In this Advent season, as we remember Christ’s first coming and anticipate His return, may we embrace the light of Jesus—the light that leads us home.