Let's be Children of Light Andy Nagahara
A. The time of the cross was approaching
1) A savior who came for such a time as this (27)
27 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? `Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.
and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:38)
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-- (Romans 6:6)
2) A time for God's glory to be revealed (28-33)
28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."
33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. （John 12:25）
B. Jesus: The light that shines on your journey
1) People were confused about Jesus being the Messiah (34)
34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, `The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this `Son of Man'?"
2) In order to become children of light, trust in the light while you have it (35, 36)
35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"-- before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain; （Ecclesiastes 12:1,2)
Summary
Jesus taught that his purpose in coming into the world was to die on the cross. As the time of his death approached, he experienced suffering and fear as a human being instead of being detached from it. In the cross, the light that was Jesus shone brightly into a world filled with darkness, and his resurrection was proof that it was not an illusion. Sadly, this truth is still hidden from those who refuse to see. Some people follow Jesus for a time, but stop after a while. As people who believe in Jesus' cross and resurrection, let us share his good news, not just as a fact, but as the ultimate truth in our lives.
For Discussion
1) What did Jesus say was his purpose for coming to earth?
2) Why did Jesus call himself "the Son of Man"?