‘Jesus – Dispelling Darkness’: A Sermon by Pastor Mensa Otabil

In his sermon “Jesus – Pt.4 (Dispelling Darkness),” Pastor Mensa Otabil sheds profound light on the significance of Jesus as the light that dispels darkness in both the world and our personal lives. 

Building upon his ongoing series on Jesus, Otabil emphasizes how Christ’s presence in the world brings transformation and clarity where there was once confusion and suffering.

The Relationship Between Light and Darkness

Pastor Otabil begins by explaining the foundational concept of light and darkness in the context of Scripture. Drawing from John 1:4-5, he highlights, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of man. And the light shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” 

Otabil also connects this to the creation narrative in Genesis 1:2-3, where the world was formless and dark until God spoke, saying, “Let there be light,” and immediately light illuminated the earth. He explains, “The Word of God is the source of the light of God,” and wherever God’s Word is present, there is light.

This understanding of light, according to Otabil, is twofold: it is both the revelation of God’s truth and the presence of God Himself. Light is not merely physical illumination but spiritual enlightenment, transforming lives by revealing divine truth. In the absence of God’s Word, darkness prevails, causing confusion, ignorance, and separation from God.

Jesus as the Light of the World

In the Gospel of John, Pastor Otabil contrasts the creation story with the mission of Jesus Christ. While Genesis speaks of the Word of God bringing light to the world, John’s account shows the Word becoming flesh and entering the lives of individuals. 

As Pastor Otabil points out, “In Genesis, God is dealing with the earth. But in John, God is dealing with people.” The coming of Christ is not just to brighten the physical world but to personally enter the darkness of human hearts and illuminate them with His light.

He continues, “The Word of God is sent to bring light to the darkness in people.” Pastor Otabil emphasizes that the light of Jesus is not limited to the physical realm; it touches each individual’s life, offering transformation from within. 

This is the profound nature of the New Testament message—God enters human history, not just to heal the earth, but to heal hearts.

The Three Ways Jesus’ Light Shines

Otabil explains three key ways in which the light of Jesus dispels darkness:

1. Through the Presence of Christ: The life of Jesus, His death, resurrection, and ascension, all serve as testimonies to the power of light overcoming darkness. “Wherever He went, there was light,” says Otabil, citing how even the presence of Jesus caused demons to tremble and brought clarity and healing to those around Him.

2. Through the Witness of Believers: Those who encounter Jesus and experience His light are called to bear witness of Him. Pastor Otabil says, “We don’t meet Jesus and continue in darkness. We meet Jesus and we go and talk about the light and also live it.” Christians are to shine His light through their actions, living out the good works that reflect His nature and love.

3. Through Good Works: Pastor Otabil underscores that Christians should “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works.” The light of Christ is made visible in the world through acts of kindness, integrity, and service, illustrating the transformative power of the gospel.

Conclusion

Pastor Otabil’s message is clear: Jesus Christ is not just the light of the world in a general sense, but He is the light that enters the hearts of individuals, dispelling darkness and bringing new life. 

As believers, we are called to allow this light to shine through us, impacting the world with the truth of the gospel. 

As Pastor Otabil prays, “May His light come into every heart this morning,” let us open our hearts to His transformative power, allowing the light of Christ to dispel the darkness in our lives.