Sermon: Responding to the Light

Walnut Grove

Sermon Date: 10/13/2024

Bible Verse: John 12:42-50

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

The Consequences of Belief and Unbelief

Key Passage: John 12:42-50
Cross References: Psalms 18:28, Psalms 27:1, Psalms 119:105, Matthew 5:14-16, John 8:12, John 9:5, 1 John 1:5-9

Introduction:

In John 12:42-50, we find a powerful moment in Jesus’ ministry. The passage records how some Jewish leaders believed in Him, but because of fear of the Pharisees and a love for human approval, they did not openly confess their faith. Jesus speaks with urgency, warning about the importance of responding to the light that He is offering. This passage challenges us today with the same decision: Will we respond to the light of Christ, or will we hide in the shadows of fear and compromise?

John 12:42-50

42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears My words and does not [g]believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

1. The Fear of Man and the Cost of Discipleship (John 12:42-43)
2. Jesus Came as the Light of the World (John 12:44-46)
3. Judgment and Responsibility (John 12:47-48)
4. Jesus’ Words Are Life and Truth (John 12:49-50)

Conclusion: Responding to the Light

The challenge of John 12:42-50 is this: Will we step into the light, or will we hide in the shadows of fear and human approval? Jesus came as the light of the world to bring salvation, but He also calls for a response. Neutrality is not an option.

• Are we, like some of the leaders in John’s account, fearful of what others may think if we fully confess Christ?
• Or will we live as people of the light, boldly shining our faith for the world to see, regardless of the cost?

Let us remember that Jesus is not just a teacher or a moral guide—He is the Son of God, the Light of the World. His words are life. To reject them is to reject life itself.

May we choose to walk in the light, to live for the praise of God rather than the approval of people, and to fully embrace the eternal life that comes through Christ.