Introduction: Jesus spoke of “outer darkness” at least three times. There were a couple of times when I experienced something like this, and it wasn’t pleasant! No one needs to face outer darkness, so don’t let it happen to you.
Text: Matthew 8:10-12, KJV: 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Thoughts: In the context, Jesus had been speaking to a Roman centurion, a man in charge of 100 soldiers. This soldier had stated Jesus had no need to visit the centurion’s home but only speak the word and the centurion’s servant would be healed. Jesus marveled at this, declaring He hadn’t seen such faith even in Israel.
But He didn’t stop there: He explained that the “children of the kingdom” would be cast out into the outer darkness (there’s a “the” in the original language) and there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth. A somber and sober warning to anyone, especially those who thought everything was A-OK between them and God.
Now, when I was about 4, there was one time when I was scared! The living room was back to back with the kitchen and another room connecting both. I remember the windows and usually walking back and forth with no problems, but not this time. The light in the living room was on, and the light in the kitchen was on, but not in the room connecting them. It was flat out DARK and I was scared! Either Mom or Dad sensed something was wrong, turned on the light, and all the problems went away.
Years later, I had a more profound experience. My sons and I had heard one of our favorite southern gospel singing groups would be preforming at a certain theater. Most concerts we had attended were “love-offering” events, meaning you gave the group whatever you had or felt like giving. More often than not, I wish I had more to give!
But not this time.
This concert was at a theater, as mentioned, and I had a great big surprise when I walked into what looked like an office, foyer, entry hall—your choice of terms—and heard someone ask, “May I help you?”
I answered, “Yes, we’re here to see ‘Group X’; I know we’re a little late but we’ll take any seats we can find. They’re worth driving down to see and hear!”
The employee looked at me, a bit puzzled, and said, “Well, that’s fine, but where are your tickets? Did you buy your tickets for this evening’s concert?”
Ah, no, and to paraphrase the disciples of John at Ephesus whom Paul met (Acts 19), I replied I had no idea that we needed tickets, and wasn’t this a love offering concert?
To which the employee, courteously, said, “All of our concerts are sold on a first come, first served basis. We can’t let you in but check out our website (“Sam” then gave me a handout), and call us at least a couple of days before. We’re sorry but maybe we’ll see you again.”
Sometime before we left, I walked over by the door to the theater itself. I could hear the music, and I could see a number of silhouettes of the audience, but I couldn’t go in and experience it for myself. What a picture of those who miss out on God’s best because they won’t do it God’s way.
Once was enough for me, and you better believe it, we made purchases before we ever attended anymore of the concerts down there. For us, we had a chance to learn and make corrections. But for others, those who refuse to follow the Lord’s plan and program, these folks could easily face living in outer darkness—forever.
It’s one thing to see and hear from a distance; a lot different, though, when you or I can experience the best first hand.
Outer darkness? Don’t go there!
Scripture quotations taken from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV).