The Mirror, the Map, and the Man

We all look in mirrors to check our reflection—but what if there’s a mirror that shows us who we really are before God? In this message, we’re invited to look honestly into the Word of God, to recognize our true condition, and then to look away from ourselves to Christ, the only One who can save.

Sermon Summary

The Mirror — God’s Word Reveals the Truth

James compares God’s Word to a mirror (James 1:21–25). A mirror doesn’t flatter or fix—it simply shows what’s there. In the same way, Scripture reveals the truth about us: we are sinners in need of grace. Many people see their reflection in God’s Word and then walk away unchanged. But the Bible calls us to respond—to repent and to be transformed by what we’ve seen.

Looking into the mirror of Scripture is looking into what God already sees. He knows every careless word, every hidden thought, every sin we’ve overlooked. Yet this mirror is given so we can be made right with Him. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), but those who hear and obey God’s Word are “blessed in their doing.”

The Map — Two Roads and Two Destinations

From the mirror, the message turns to a map. In Matthew 7:13–14, Jesus describes two roads—one broad, leading to destruction, and one narrow, leading to life. Every person is traveling on one of these roads.

Maps show location, direction, and destination.

We must first locate ourselves: where are you on this map? The Bible says we are all naturally on the broad road that leads away from God. Repentance is turning around—a complete change of heart and direction toward Christ.

The map also reminds us of distance—how close we are to our final destination. Life is fragile. Jesus told of a man who planned for years ahead but didn’t live to see another day (Luke 12:16–21). None of us know how close we are to eternity, so the call is urgent: turn to Christ now while there’s still time.

The Man — Behold the Savior

Finally, we’re brought to “the man”—Jesus Christ, standing before Pilate, wearing a crown of thorns (John 19:4–5). Pilate said, “Behold the man.” Many only look at Jesus—a tragic sight of suffering and injustice. But faith looks to Him, seeing not just a condemned man but a willing Saviour.

When we look to Christ, we see:

• The Saviour of sinners — “Look to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth” (Isaiah 45:22).

• The Sacrifice for sin — the one offering God fully accepted (Hebrews 10:12).

• The Substitute — who took our place, bore our punishment, and satisfied God on our behalf.

The hymn writer captured it beautifully:

“He took the guilty sinner’s place and suffered in his stead; for man—O miracle of grace—for man, the Saviour bled.”

To look into the mirror is to see our need. To look to the map is to see where we’re headed. But to look to the Man—Christ Himself—is to find salvation.