You Have Time to Read the Bible: Be the Light! | Matthew 5:14-16, John 8:1-12

Show Notes:

• Who Is Jesus? Let us introduce you!
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Transcription:

You know what we’re doing when we’re reading the Bible? We’re getting to know God. How awesome is that? Welcome to the Bible for Busy People. I’m Erica, your host, and we’re going to get to know him a little better today. Already this week, we have learned that when you and I repent and turn from the wrong things we’re doing, God rejoices. Like there’s a party in heaven when we do that, and angels are involved. How cool is that? We have learned that God sings over us. We’ve learned that He calms our fears with his love. Those are just a few of the things we’ve gleaned from the Bible this week. Stick with me and I’ll stick with you. We can do this. We can get to know God better in 2024. Today, you and I are going to hear Jesus describe himself in a beautiful way and, spoiler alert, he describes us in the same way, which is exceptionally cool.

But first, a story about Jesus that will touch your heart. Join me now in John chapter eight, beginning in verse one.

Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said.And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Wow. Wow. Just take a moment to take those words in because maybe you have felt condemned by God, and maybe that was a story that you told yourself. You’ve been telling that story to yourself for years. If you go back a few chapters to John chapter three, Jesus says,

God sent his son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

Jesus came to save you. He’s not standing over you saying “You bad person.” He’s saying, “I love you. Turn and repent so I can throw a party in heaven.” That’s our Jesus. That’s who he is. Now, here is how Jesus describes himself. We’re back in John chapter eight. We’re in verse 12. This is right after he spoke to the woman who was caught in the act of adultery and said, I don’t condemn you, go and sin no more. He saved her life and then this happened.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

So, Jesus describes himself as the Light of the world. Whatever dark situation you’re in, maybe you are living a life of sin. Maybe you are committing adultery. This is your day to walk out of the darkness. Take the hand of Jesus who is the light of the world and come into the light. Feel his arms of love wrapped around you. Hear him saying to you, “I don’t condemn you. Go and sin no more and be free.” Maybe you are battling a sickness or a situation that you have no control over. Whatever your darkness is, take the hand of the light of the world today. Jesus is with you and he loves you. There is no darkness that his light cannot penetrate. Here’s the really cool thing you and I are his children. Listen to what Matthew writes in chapter five, beginning in verse 14. This is what Jesus said, and Matthew wrote it down. If you’re new to the Bible.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

So, Jesus is the light of the world and because we love him, we also are the light of the world. How do we shine brightly? We’ve got to stay in His presence and then everywhere we go, we’re going to bring the light. Every time we do good, it shines the spotlight on who Jesus is, and we bring Him glory when we do that, and we bring hope to the people around us when we do that. Jesus is the light of the world Who can brighten any dark place in your life, any dark heart. If you are living in darkness today, come into the light. If you are here and you’re still listening and you’re in darkness, good for you. You’ve taken that first step. Keep coming back. Keep coming into the light. Jesus will meet you more than halfway. And if you are already walking in the light, bring others with you. Shine brightly for the Lord today and every day. Until next time, you are the light of the world and you are loved.

Thank you for making time for the Bible, for Busy People today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So, if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today, or you are ready to take that next step with God. I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and thrive in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.