Over the past several weeks, I shifted my routine to start my day earlier. I go for a brief jog at Jurong Lake Gardens, enjoying the quiet and fragrance of the flowers along my jogging route. While heading back home, I would stop and marvel at the twinkling stars over my head. Two brightest stars caught my attention and I recall what was recorded in the gospel account by Matthew:
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. - Matthew 2:10
The wise men foretold Christ’s coming by observing the sky. Our faith is founded on Jesus Christ. I would like to share three takeaways on Jesus Christ as the light of the world.
1. The Star
During Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth, He guided people through His teachings and His compassion. He knew His people by their faith.
Blessed are the poor in spirit. For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. – Matthew 5:3
He used His power to demonstrate His compassion through healing the blind (Matthew 9:28-29) and the paralytic (Mark 2:3-11), through cleansing the leper (Luke 17:11-19) and through feeding 5000 men (John 6:1-14 & Luke 9:10-17). He also knew the heart of men and used His wisdom to teach valuable lessons: the conversation with a Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), the saving of an adulteress from being stoned to death (John 8:1-12), the pouring of oil over Jesus (John 12:7-8) and the washing of His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17).
Our Lord guided the apostles and some like Peter became shepherds of His kingdom (1 Peter 5:1). Although Jesus Christ is not among us now, His shining light will glow in us. The holy Bible contains His commandments, and the elders are His shepherds to guide our ways.
2. The Darkness
Jesus is innocent. He did not commit any crime (Matthew 26:57-62). When the Roman soldiers insulted Him, He did not insult them back. He endured the pain and humiliation.
Who, when He was reviled did not revile in return, when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. – 1 Peter 2:23
There was darkness over all land (Matthew 27:45) when He bled to death on the cross. His death was an atonement for sins. He shall bear the iniquities of many and take away the sins of many (Isaiah 53: 5-11). This atonement was done once and for all mankind (Romans 6:10).
His life is ransom for many (Mark 10:45)
Today, Christians are not supposed to observe holidays like Good Friday celebrations. But we are to remember Him weekly through the partaking of the Lord's supper because of His sacrifice.
3. He Has Risen
Jesus Christ defeated death and rose on the third day. He was seen by at least 500 of His disciples and all authority is under Him (1 Corinthians 15:6,20,26-28).
Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25-26).
He carried out God’s plan to save mankind on earth. It’s God’s grace toward mankind. The star, the darkness and His resurrection were signs that mark His presence on earth.
Back to my story, the names of the two bright stars are Jupiter and Sirius. Even though they are millions of kilometers away from earth, I can see the evidence of God’s creation from the night sky.
Ask Myself:
Which book contains the Beatitudes?
How long did the darkness come over all the land at Jesus’s crucifixion?
Which verse states that Jesus is the light of the world?
Suggested Answers:
Matthew
Approximately 3 hours
John 8:12