The Light of Accountability

 Temple Baptist Church - 12-20-2023

John 12:32-40

 

Introduction:

A.  In chapter 12, we find the great rejection of Israel’s Messiah and our wonderful Lord and Saviour.

 

B.  Our Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem was the last week of His life here on earth as Israel as a nation would reject and crucify Him.  The “natural olive branch” was broken off.

 

C.  We also see the introduction of Greeks who, when they heard of the commotion around Christ, said, “Sir, we would see Jesus.”   The “unnatural wild olive branch”, the Greeks or Gentile, grafted in.

 

D.  Here we find that both the Nation of Israel and the Gentiles responded to the light given, but in very different ways.  Both knew of the miracles performed by Christ, and both heard Christ speak but the Jews rejected (John 1:11) and the Gentiles accepted (John 1:12).

 

1.  The Nation of Israel rejected their Messiah.  John 12:37-40  But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:  (38)  That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?  (39)  Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,  (40)  He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.  (They could no longer believe because they had rejected the “light” that God gave them.  Light turned into darkness which turned into blindness!)

 

2.  Paul mention the Jews rejection in Romans.  Romans 10:16  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

 

E.  In our text, we find that there were both Jews and Greeks that came to the “Light of the World” in faith but there were also many who did not respond having the same “Light”.

 

John 12:41 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

 

F.  John 12:35-36 gives admonition to the reader concerning the “Light of God”,

 

John 12:35-36  Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.  (36)  While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

 

1.  We find the Light.  “the light”  The importance of light: it is essential for decision making and work.

 

2.  We find the brevity of the Light.  “Yet a little while”  Here we find that light is not a thing of longevity in the hearts of people.  Take advantage of it.

 

3.  We find the responsibility of the Light.  “Walk”  “Make haste while the sun shines” is a familiar saying that we should all follow while the light shines.

 

4.  We find the individuality of the Light.  “ye”  We live in days of victimization which causes us to blame others for our spiritual and physical condition.  Here we find person responsibility. 

 

5.  We find the warning of the Light.  “while ye have the light”  The time will come when darkness replaces light when light is not reacted to in a right way.

 

6.  We find decreasing of the Light.  “lest darkness come upon you”  Darkness is sneaky as it starts with dimness and ends with total darkness.  If light is not properly reacted to, darkness WILL eventually replace it.

 

7.  We find the blindness of the loss of Light.  “knoweth not whither he goeth.”  A total lack of light brings about a total loss of sight, both physically and spiritually.

 

8.  We find the continuation of the Light.  “believe in the light”  When we believe within the realm of spiritual light, then we find more light and brighter light.

 

9.  We find the product of the Light.  “that ye may be the children of light”  Light begats light and spiritual light begats children of God.

 

G.  I want to look at four “Lights” that God gives to mankind and man’s responsibilities concerning these “Lights”.

 

1.  The Internal Light of the Spirit.  Every person is born with an internal light, which is the life of God.  A natural recognition of Deity.  Worship is inherent in the nature of man.  God gives to every man the knowledge of the Creator. 

 

Proverbs 20:27  The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

 

John 1:4, 9  In him was life; and the life was the light of men ...  That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

 

2.  The Natural Light of Creation.  The Creation of the World established a “Tabernacle for the sun”: a place of worship for all mankind.  Evolution is “The Fool’s Folly”.

 

Psalms 19:1-4  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.  (2)  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.  (3)  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.  (4)  Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

 

Romans 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

 

Hebrews 11:3  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

 

3.  The Inscribed Light of the Scriptures.  Until this day, we continue to have the Light of the Scriptures.

 

Psalms 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

 

2 Peter 1:19  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

 

4.  The Incarnate Light of the Messiah, Christ Jesus.  Jesus Christ was and still is the “Light of the world”.  We see Jesus Christ through the 3^rd “Light” of the Scriptures.

 

John 8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

 

1 Peter 1:8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

 

Conclusion:  These “Lights” are here to lead mankind to a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus, our Lord.  We MUST respond to the “Lights of God” to be saved and serving.