The message of Jesus from within the Gospels is twofold.
- To the “outsiders”, who had no real knowledge of God or of their own sinful state, He brought healing, deliverance, works of power, that brought them NEARER to God. This may be likened to a bright light illuminating that which is in darkness, incapable of recognizing its own sinful state. The light drew men towards it, and the nearer they came to the light, the more clearly were they able to see their own shortcomings, rebellion, and sinfulness. Hence the light served the two-fold purpose of drawing men to God, and at the same time causing repentance to grow within the sinful human heart. It will be seen therefore that Jesus did not judge people’s ignorance, but brought them light to dispel that ignorance. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Isaiah 9:2
- To the “insiders”, those who claimed to be God’s children, came the call to repentance. They had seen the light, but preferred darkness, and therefore needed to repent. This was Jesus’ message to the Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees. “He was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. . . . . He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:9-11)
Therefore today’s preaching of the Gospel message could well be patterned on this lesson. First and foremost there should be a display of God’s goodness, His power and beauty in creation, and the recalling of His miracles, upon which the Holy Spirit may work in men’s hearts to remove ignorance, reveal their sinfulness, and show the need of repentance.
“Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20. Preach Creation with all its wonders, and expose the darkness of evolution.
