Logo — Jesus, The Light of the World

TEXT: Acts 2:22-24, 36, John 1:1-34; 12:32

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

When the design of a church logo was contemplated, the decision was made to illustrate a phrase that has been with us since the early days of this work: “Jesus the Light of the World.” This phrase was first displayed in 1917 as an electric sign on our church building at Front and Burnside. When the Tabernacle was built in 1921, it featured the same words. Today, more than eighty years later, it is still there. When the headquarters church was moved to Sixth and Burnside in 1922, the same message was displayed on top of the new building, and it was proclaimed from that spot for about sixty years. Its position at the heart of downtown Portland made it a well-known landmark. Through the years, branch churches in many locations around the world have chosen to display the same heart-warming message.

POSSIBLE OPENER

Darken your classroom and have a single candle (or flashlight) burning when your students enter. Point out how bright it looks in the darkness. Jesus is a bright spiritual light (maybe show a large, strong flashlight). He is so bright that some people do not want Him to shine on their lives and show the sin.

ALTERNATIVE OPENER

Ask your students, “What was the scariest moment you ever had in the dark? Have you ever been in the dark and stumbled around because you couldn’t see?” After getting their responses, say, “Darkness causes lots of problems—some funny, some very serious. John, in writing his Gospel, used the illustration of darkness and light to explain the importance of Jesus’ coming to earth….”

QUESTIONS

• What was Jesus referring to in John 12:32 when He spoke of being “lifted up” from the earth?
• Make a comparison between Jesus as spiritual Light and the properties of physical light.
• List at least six ways Jesus might give us Light today.
• What are some ways we can magnify or “lift up” Jesus in our daily lives?
• List five names, other than “Light,” that are used in the Bible to refer to Jesus, and briefly describe how He has filled that role to you personally.
• What are ways that the Light of Jesus might be diminished or eliminated?
• What personal benefits has the Light brought into your life?
• What happens when a person rejects Light?
• How can the Light of Jesus be shared?
• One reason that Jesus should be lifted up is referenced in Luke 1:31-33. What is that reason?
• What is meant by the phrase, “we esteemed him not,” in Isaiah 53:3?
• Referring to 1 Corinthians 3:11, in what way is Jesus Christ the foundation in your life? How is that fact apparent to those who know you?
• List three Old Testament prophecies about Jesus and tell how they were fulfilled. What does this reveal to you regarding prophecies about Him that are yet to be fulfilled?
• What are the rewards in this life of lifting up Jesus? What are the eternal rewards?
  

EXTRA HELP FOR TEACHERS

Light of Hope 041 – Dave Anderson’s Testimony, “A Change of Direction”

POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNGER CLASSES

Give each student a numbered sheet of paper. Set timer for two minutes. Have them list as many names of Jesus as they can think of. Cross off items anyone else had. Winner is person with highest number of unique words. (Alternatively, have them list what Jesus does for us: saves, heals, comforts, instructs, etc.)

Give students a paper with letters A – Z down left side. Have them write words describing Jesus.

Bring in several sources or pictures of sources of light. Have students identify the purpose of each. Next, have students explain how Christ functions in a similar capacity. Some examples:

Sun: Is the source of life for all things living on earth. (Christ provides resurrection/life for all men.)

       Porch light: Serves as a beacon to help us find home

Campfire/fireplace: Provides warmth and comfort

Lighthouse: Protects from dangers

Flashlight: Defines a safe path

Nightlight: Banishes darkness and eliminates fear

Match with candles: Light can be shared or given to others

Car headlights: Let us know where we are heading

Tail-lights in a fog: A guide that can be followed

Post many posters, drawings, and pictures of Jesus around the room. Put a small number in the corner of each. As students arrive, encourage them to go around the “Jesus Gallery” and write a word that describes each of the pictures in the room. Ask the students to hang onto their cards, but to add other words to their list as your class time progresses. At the end of your session, post or write all the descriptive words about Jesus in a life-size outline of Jesus with outstretched arms that you have outlined on butcher paper and taped to one wall.