Peter and John gave the man what they had. They had something the man didn't have -- Jesus.
19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:19
The world tries to have us replace our need for God with stuff of the world: fame, money, wealth, lust, power, worldly success....none of these can replace God. People who live in darkness -- they're proud of the darkness, the sin, the rebellion.
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Jesus came to bring light into this world. He is the Light.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5
"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." Ephesians 5:11
Things in darkness like the darkness.
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son," Colossians 1:13
What do we have that the world doesn't? Christ Jesus, love and Light! Christians are a minority in the this world.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
The things and/or people who want to get better go toward the light.
We were created to be and bring light. God saved us from the coming wrath. God saved us because He loves us. God saved u to do His work where we are. We are all to be lights.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
Take something that has no purpose to becoming a tool that has purpose. This is what God does with us. As such we have the responsibility to do what God calls us to do.
Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3
Give what you have. Working for a goal -- keep others out of hell. We are responsible for sharing Christ.
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24
Do all things for Jesus!
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.' 1 Corinthians 15:58
Application #1 -- Leave your comfort zone.
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[a] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
Don't get caught slacking. If Jesus comes today, did you do enough?
Application #2 -- Open your eyes -- there is pain and lost souls all around us. We don't intentionally blind ourselves. Live intentionally. Grow in Grace.
"7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you[a]—see that you excel in this act of grace also. 8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine."
2 Corinthians 8:7-8
"42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42
Do what you can. Do something to help people meet Jesus. There's no harvest without planting.
Rise and Shine!
"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you.
3 And nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising." Isaiah 60:1-3