Aug 9, 2020
Scripture Reading: John 1:9-13
In this passage John is continuing to unfold the implications of his statement, "In him was life, and the life was the light of men"
(Jn 1:4). John is focusing on the nature of Jesus as 'light'. John frequently uses the word 'light' in his gospel (23 times) as he contrasts the light of Christ with the darkness of the world.
When John says that Jesus is the 'true light' (Jn 1:9), it is a reference to his being the genuine source of life and guidance, as opposed to religious leaders and ideas that are false. There are many false 'lights' in the world, as there always have been.
John 1:9 says that this true Light "gives light to everyone." This is probably a reference to the general revelation of God in creation as well as the light seen in Jesus in His incarnation. The coming of Christ to the earth makes the truth that has always been visible in creation even more precisely visible.
The staggering reality is that when Jesus, who created the world and everything in it, came into the world, the people soundly rejected Him. Even the Jews, who ought to have known Him, did not receive Him. Such is the darkness of sin that blinds the human heart. The natural heart does not see the light … does not want to see the light … even if the true Light blazes in divine glory. May God, increasingly, give us eyes to see Him … and adore Him.