The Light That Is the Light of Men - iBelieve Truth - January 9, 2024
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. John 1:1-7
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are what we call the gospels which are the accounts of Jesus' life and ministry written by his closest friends and followers. Each account offers us a unique perspective on who Jesus was as well as the many things he accomplished and taught while on Earth. John is the fourth gospel and begins by describing Jesus in terms that connect him to our eternal Creator God. John 1:1-7 describes how a creating force from the beginning known as the Word becomes flesh. This text is a beautiful way to conceptualize the identity of Christ and a wonderful set of verses to commit to memory.
John helps us understand that Jesus and the Father are one and the same. This passage begins to help give us a bit of understanding of what the Trinity is. Jesus was the Word. He was there at the start of creation. He knows God’s story, and his plan, and is in agreement with God’s rescue plan for his creation. He also came in the form of a man, who grew, spoke, lived, and taught.
Jesus brings ‘life and that life is the light of men.’ Light is a symbol of purity, knowledge, and joy. Walking in the light is a call to live with purity, goodness, and righteousness. As creatures made in God’s image, when we come into a relationship with our Maker, our job is to partner with God to function in conjunction with the perfect design he had in mind for us. Because while on earth we are plagued with a sin nature our lives are always changing. Humans are always struggling against the darkness, thankfully we are not alone. He is light. God is constant, unchanging, and holy. We can look to the light, Jesus, as our firm foundation. We walk in his warmth, his love, and follow his ways. That is the essence of the Christian life.
In verse 5 of this chapter, we read that the light shone in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it. The Expositor's Greek Testament explains that darkness was not able to apprehend or overcome the light. The Greeks believed the text meant that the darkness was not able to conquer the light!
What an exciting statement, that God’s light is greater than the present darkness in our world. Ultimately our hope is only a sure thing because of this fact. God’s plan, power, presence, and goodness can bring order to our fallen world. His plan outmatches the powers of chaos and nothingness that want to pull us away from him.
Jesus was able to pierce the death that sought to swallow up his people. He made a way for us to find life in him. As we pass through death, we overcome the power of this world, just as he did, and are invited into his forever family. No greater love than this so lay down his life for those he loves!
God, we thank you that you sent your son who is the life that is the light for all mankind. We are so grateful that he put on a flesh suit so he could empathize with us and ultimately gave his perfect life as payment for our sins. Without this plan that you made from the start of creation, we would all be forever lost to the darkness and chaos that seeks to undo your beauty. Help us to daily walk in your light and trust that you are greater than the darkness that lives in this world. Amen.
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