Easter: Become a child of light- John 12:34-36 Rev. Justin Poythress 4/5/26

In this Easter sermon from All Saints Presbyterian Church, Rev. Justin Poythress unpacks John 12:34-36, focusing on Jesus' invitation to become 'children of light.' He explores three major points of confusion that the crowd—and modern listeners—experience: who Jesus is, what light and darkness truly mean, and what it actually means to follow Him. Poythress contrasts the crowd’s expectation of a powerful, political Messiah with Jesus’ actual mission—dying for sins and transforming hearts from the inside out. He emphasizes that Jesus is the light of the world, not in a physical sense but as the source of meaning, purpose, and moral clarity in a world that often feels dark and meaningless. The sermon challenges the idea that Christianity is a self-improvement plan, arguing instead that becoming a child of light comes not through performance but through faith in Jesus. The key takeaway is that identity in Christ is secure, not based on behavior, and that true transformation happens through ongoing trust in Him. The message culminates in a call to believe in Jesus, rest in His work, and live confidently as those already made new.