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Sermon Title: “Light in the Darkness”

Text: Matthew 4:12–25 & 5:14–16
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn
Date: April 13, 2025

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Summary Tagline:

“The light that shines on us becomes the light that shines through us.”

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Message Summary:

Alex began with an image—a foggy beach and a campfire drawing people in—not like moths to a flame, but like beachcombers to warmth, light, and belonging. From this image, he drew us into Matthew 4, where Jesus emerges from the wilderness not to escape it, but to carry light into it. Jesus does not go to Jerusalem or the center of power; he goes to Galilee—a place with a history associated with shame, syncretism, and Gentile influence. This is where the light begins to shine: “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light.” That light is Jesus. It is not a light that comes from us, but one that shines on us, even in our rebellion, shame, and insignificance.

But the sermon didn’t stop at proclamation—it moved to transformation. The light not only shines on us and brings life to us, but it also begins to shine in us. Jesus calls disciples from the fringes—fishermen, not religious elites—and he tells them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This light draws the repentant, those humble enough to turn from darkness and receive the warmth of grace. And then Jesus turns to his followers and says, “You are the light of the world.” Not because the light is inherent in us, but because it is reflected through us, like the moon reflecting the sun. As Alex said, we are not called to recruit or to catch—we are called to shine. That is how the wilderness becomes a place of life, and how ordinary people become radiant with gospel light.

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Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Questions:

  1. Have you ever been drawn to something—not because it was flashy or loud—but because it felt warm, safe, or true?
  2. What’s a time you experienced light breaking into a dark moment or season of your life?
  3. Do you identify more with the center or the fringe? What’s beautiful about Jesus starting with the outsider?

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Read Matthew 4:12–25 & 5:14–16 together and discuss any questions that arise from the passage. Then use a few of these questions for further reflection.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Jesus began his ministry not in Jerusalem, but in Galilee—a place that was historically associated with shame and compromise. What does this tell us about who Jesus comes for and where his light shines first?
  2. The light of Christ does not come from us, but to us. Why is this important to remember in your walk with Jesus? What happens when we try to generate our own light?
  3. The light brings life—healing, deliverance, and freedom. How have you experienced the life-giving power of Jesus’ light personally?
  4. Repentance is what allows us to see and step into the light. Why do you think pride and self-reliance keep people in the dark?
  5. Jesus says “You are the light of the world.” Alex reminded us that we reflect Jesus like the moon reflects the sun. How can you practice being a light this week—not by striving, but by receiving and reflecting Christ?

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For Further Study:

    1.    Matthew 4:12–25 – Jesus begins his Galilean ministry in the land of darkness.
    2.    Matthew 5:14–16 – “You are the light of the world…”
    3.    John 1:4–5 – The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
    4.    Isaiah 9:1–2 – A great light shines in Galilee of the Gentiles.
    5.    John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world.”
    6.    Ephesians 5:8–9 – Live as children of light.
    7.    2 Corinthians 4:6 – God shines light into our hearts.
    8.    Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
    9.    John 3:19–21 – Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness.
    10.    Philippians 2:14–15 – Shine like stars in a crooked generation.

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Gospel Connections

Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus:
    1.    How does the light of Jesus deepen your relationship with God, especially when you feel like you’re in the wilderness?
    2.    How can our church reflect the light of Christ to people who feel ashamed, unimportant, or far from faith?
    3.    How can our group support one another in repentance and reflection, so the light can shine more freely through us?
    4.    How can we bring the warmth of Jesus’ light to our city—not by striving to impress, but by simply shining?

Adults
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