“There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:9-13; all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible [1995] unless otherwise indicated).

John’s Gospel often repeats several key concepts. They seem like simple terms that we use every day, but Jesus gives them a deeper meaning. Two are “light” and “life.” We might talk about them in everyday conversations. Scientists tell us that light is made of particles—photons—which have a wave-like quality. Many think of life as a series of chemical reactions, which somehow generate consciousness and thought for some organisms.

In Christ, though, light and life hold a deeper meaning: “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men” (John 1:4). Somehow, the life Jesus brings is the light of men. Life and light are intertwined. They come from Him.

John 1:9 then tells us that Jesus is the “true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.” Bible scholars disagree about what this means. How can Jesus enlighten every man if so many do not believe in Him? One theory is that Jesus sheds light on the truth about mankind:

“If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well” (John 15:22-24).

Jesus reveals God’s justice and righteousness. As the Son of God, He reveals what God is truly like (see Hebrews 1:1-3). However, since God created humans in His image, and Jesus became a man, He shows what we should be. The Disciple’s Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Cornerstone Bible Publishers, 1988), in its notes on John 1:9, says, “Jesus is not only what God is like; He is also what humanity was intended to be.” Part of the glory of everlasting life in heaven is the opportunity to be like Him, as God intended:

“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” (1 John 3:2).

Christians are children of God (1 John 3:1). He invites us to “become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:5). In Christ, we have the privilege of becoming children of God, not because of anything we can do, but because God drew us to Himself, by His grace through faith in Jesus.

Even though Jesus brought light to humanity, many people do not receive it.

The world did not know Him. Jesus said, “I am the … truth” (John 14:6). The Roman governor asked, “What is truth?” while the truth was standing right in front of him (John 18:38). The world still does not know Him. Many do not know who He is. Many who know about Him refuse to accept Him as Lord, God, and Savior.

The Jewish people of His time did not recognize Him as their Messiah:

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life” (John 5:39-40).

Even today, many people search the Scriptures—even the New Testament, which bears His name on every page—and do not come to Him for eternal life. They accept His teaching, but they reject His light, His life, and His spirit.

Even His own family did not always recognize who He was. Many are familiar with the story of Jesus in the temple as a 12-year-old boy. When Joseph and Mary found Him, they asked how He could mistreat them by staying behind and causing them to worry. I suspect they needed a reminder. They knew from before He was born that He was the Son of God. Perhaps, though, they had grown comfortable thinking of Jesus as their son. Maybe Joseph was beginning to train Him to take over the carpentry shop.

“When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.’ And He said to them, ‘Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?’” (Luke 2:48-49).

Jesus reminded them that His Father was God, and He had to prepare to do His Father’s business. At the peak of His ministry, His brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5). The Light was shining in the darkness, and the darkness and those who lived therein could neither overcome (John 1:5, NASB1995) nor comprehend (NKJV) it.

However, He gives abundant life to all who believe in Him (John 10:10). Come to Him: place your faith and trust in Him for forgiveness, life, and salvation. He will give you light, understanding, and wisdom as you grow in the knowledge of Him. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, please join in this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my heart, and I ask You to come in. Take control of my life, and make me the person You want me to be. In Your name I pray. Amen.”

May God fill you with the light, life, and love of Jesus as you follow Him by faith.

I would like to hear from you, especially if you have just recently welcomed Jesus into your heart. Share your thoughts or suggestions by clicking the “Leave a comment” link below.

Copyright © 2022 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.