Point to Jesus
Pointing to the Light: Our Simple Yet Profound Calling
Have you ever been the first to spot something breathtaking on the horizon? Perhaps like my family’s vacation to Colorado this summer, when those magnificent Rocky Mountains first came into view after hours of driving. What was your instinctive reaction? For me, it was immediate: “Look at the mountains!” I pointed excitedly, trying to pull my kids’ attention away from their devices to witness something truly awe-inspiring. That simple gesture—pointing to something greater than ourselves—perfectly illustrates our most fundamental calling as followers of Christ.
Our Shared Calling with John the Baptist
In John’s Gospel, we’re introduced to a man with a singular purpose: “There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him” (John 1:6-7).
John the Baptist’s introduction is remarkably understated. No elaborate credentials or impressive titles—just a man sent by God with a name. Yet his calling was profound: to point others to Jesus, the true light of the world.
The beautiful Revelation in this passage is that John’s calling is our calling too. We are sent by God into this world for the same purpose—to point others to Jesus.
What Does It Mean to Be a Witness?
What exactly does it mean to be a witness? In Biblical times, witnesses had a specific role. They weren’t active participants but rather bystanders who could testify truthfully about what they had seen. They didn’t add color commentary or their own spin—they simply reported what they observed.
John the Baptist “came as a witness to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him” (John 1:7). His role wasn’t to draw attention to himself but to direct people’s gaze toward Jesus.
This is precisely our role today. Jesus made this clear when He told His disciples: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). Our mission mirrors Christ’s own mission, which was not “to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17).
Pointing to the Light in a Dark World
Why do we need to point others to Jesus as the light? Because our world is shrouded in darkness.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). This darkness isn’t just external—it’s also the darkness that clouds our hearts and minds. It’s the confusion, pain, and brokenness that sin has brought into our world.
Think about being in your bedroom in the middle of the night with no lights on. Even this familiar space becomes disorienting and potentially dangerous. You might fear stepping on a toy (particularly a Lego!) as you make your way to the bathroom. Darkness changes everything—even the most familiar environments become treacherous.
Jesus came as the light that makes sense of everything. Christianity provides the only satisfying answer to why there’s darkness in our world. While other religions might offer guidelines for better living, they often lack a compelling explanation for why we struggle to live well in the first place. Why do good people do bad things? Why is there suffering? Jesus gives us the truth about our condition and offers the solution.
Not the Light, But Pointing to It
John 1:8 emphasizes an important distinction: “He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.” John knew his role wasn’t to be the light himself but to direct others toward it.
This is a crucial reminder for us. Our job isn’t to make people follow us or to present ourselves as the answer to life’s problems. We’re not the light—we’re just pointing to it.
Imagine those old searchlights used at carnivals and events after the World Wars. These powerful beams would cut through the darkness, drawing people’s attention to something exciting happening in the distance. Our witness should function like those searchlights—not drawing attention to the light itself, but to what the light reveals: Jesus Christ.
The Tragedy of Rejection
Despite the brilliance of the light, John tells us: “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him” (John 1:10-11).
There are people all around us who know about Jesus but don’t truly know Him. Some cling to their self-righteousness, thinking they don’t need a Savior. Others cling to their sin, unwilling to surrender what they enjoy. Still others cling to comfort, family ties, or other priorities that keep them from embracing Christ.
Our calling is to continue pointing to the light, even when many choose to remain in darkness.
The Gift of New Life
The good news is that for those who do receive Him, Jesus offers something extraordinary: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
This isn’t just about knowing about a family—it’s about becoming part of the family. To “believe in his name” means more than intellectual assent. In Jewish culture, a name represented a person’s character and essence. To believe in Jesus’ name means to cling to everything He is—Savior, Lord, Judge, and Authority.
When we receive Christ this way, we experience spiritual rebirth: “who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13). We become completely new creatures at our very core.
Putting It Into Practice: Being Effective Witnesses
How can we effectively point others to Jesus in our daily lives?
- Remember it’s not about you. Like John the Baptist, understand that your role is to direct attention to Jesus, not yourself.
- Know the light personally. You can’t effectively point to what you haven’t experienced. Deepen your own relationship with Christ.
- Look for darkness that needs light. Be attentive to the confusion, pain, and questions in others’ lives where the truth of Jesus would bring clarity.
- Speak with confidence. When you point people to Jesus rather than your own wisdom, you can speak with complete confidence. You’re not asking them to follow you but to follow Him.
- Invite others to “come and see.” Don’t just tell people about Jesus—invite them to experience Him through Scripture, prayer, and Christian community.
- Be persistent but respectful. Not everyone will immediately respond to the light. Some may reject it outright. Continue to witness faithfully while respecting others’ freedom to choose.
The greatest privilege we have is to point others to the One who gives new life. We’re not called to be clever, charismatic, or compelling in ourselves—we’re simply called to point to the Light that has transformed our own lives.
May we embrace this calling with humility and joy, knowing that as we faithfully point to Jesus, some will “receive him, believe in his name, and become children of God” (John 1:12).
Jesus Pursues and Persuades
A True Disciple
Jesus Is Everything
Bearing Witness In A World Of Skeptics
Jesus Reveals God
Full of Grace And Truth
We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!