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Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues
Light in the darkness
When like Nicodemus we need light in the darkness.
Context
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Nicodemus was in the dark. He was confused and embarrassed and so he came to see Jesus by night. Jesus spoke to him about light and shed light on his concerns and it is believed that Nicodemus was one of the first disciples of the Risen Christ.
The phrase “in the dark” is a common expression. It reminds us of the importance of being able to see clearly and the difficulties we face when we cannot see clearly. Recently a friend was struggling to open her brief case. It had a combination lock and she could not see the numbers. It was amazing how quickly the problem was solved. The torch on a mobile phone shed light on the combination numbers and within seconds the lock was undone. The power of light was released.
Politics can be confusing. This week we have had the chancellor’s budget. We have also heard the opposition parties’ reflections on it. Both sides of the debate claim that they are right; both claim that their economic plan is the best way forward for the country. However it is unlikely that both can be right. Yet, as we prepare for a general election, we need to be clear so that we can decide how to vote.
The conflict in Gaza gets no better and, if anything it seems to get worse. Voices are loud. Demonstrations take place. It is not always easy to know what the Christian response should be. The politics are complicated and sometimes we do not know what to say. It is as if we are in the dark.
Jesus brings light into the world and Nicodemus went to Jesus to ask him to shed light on his confusion. We are not able to go by night to see Jesus in person as Nicodemus did but we are able to go to Jesus in prayer and ask him to shed light on our confusion and give us wisdom.
Questions for discussion
- What do you feel you would like Jesus to shed light on?
- How did you approach Jesus?
- How can we respond to the conflict in Gaza?
Revd Stuart Wild is Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
How often do you check in with the news? Do you peek at your local newspaper; spend time scrolling for news on your phone; or catch the headlines on morning television? Have you noticed how much darkness is reported each day? Have a look this week at the top stories: budget cuts, unsolved crimes, wars. It can seem like the darkness is everywhere. Best turn the TV off and swipe to the next page. But the darkness can seem impossible to run from.
The passage shows Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader, looking for the light. He doesn’t know how to approach it, so he looks at first in the darkness. Almost afraid of what he would discover. In a world which can seem so full of darkness where are we looking for light?
Have another look at those top stories from this week and hopefully you will also find this article – LIGHT. Light shining in the darkness in the most unexpected places.
We’re talking about the amazing views captured here in the UK of the northern lights: greens, pinks, blues. Beauty for all to see. Did you capture these images too where you are in the country? The light stepped into the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. Nothing is greater than light!
As Christians, we don’t have magical powers to turn everything into a perfect luminous world for ourselves. We are living in a world full of darkness and that sadly won’t go away until our Light of the World, Jesus, returns. But we can be the light for others. We can display God’s love and light for all to see, for others to stop and think, "Wow, how are they so different?!"
At this time of year, it is so important to search for the light, as the dawn begins to creep earlier and earlier and the dark nights get shorter and shorter. This week, why not take note of what time the sun is rising and setting, watching as the light continues to creep in – and notice how the darkness cannot stop it!
Natasia Bullock is Director of The B Tales
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