What is the meaning of John 1:9? The true Light - John begins by drawing our attention to a singular, definitive Light—Jesus Christ. Earlier he said, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:4), so the “true” Light is contrasted with every lesser, temporary, or misleading light. - Jesus later declares, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness” (John 8:12). This shows that His light is not merely intellectual insight but saving, guiding life. - Scripture consistently ties light to God’s character: “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Therefore, calling Jesus the “true Light” affirms His full deity and moral purity. - Practical takeaway: every counterfeit promise of enlightenment must be evaluated against Christ Himself, the absolute standard (Psalm 36:9; 2 Corinthians 4:6). who gives light to everyone - The verse insists on the universal scope of Christ’s illumination. This echoes John 12:32, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself”. - His light reaches all in at least two ways: • General revelation—creation and conscience testify about God (Romans 1:19-20; 2:14-16). • Gospel proclamation—“He desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). - While not all receive Him, none are left without witness. The light shines; human response determines whether it becomes salvation or judgment (John 3:19-21). - This universality fuels missions: believers carry His light “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). was coming into the world - The verb points to a historical event: the incarnation. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). - Christ “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7) and entered the very world He created (Colossians 1:16). - His coming fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 9:2; 60:1-3) and arrived “when the fullness of time had come” (Galatians 4:4-5). - Purpose of His arrival: • To reveal the Father (John 14:9). • To destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). • To provide atonement by tasting death for everyone (Hebrews 2:14-17). - Incarnation assures us that God is not distant; He stepped into our darkness to rescue us. summary John 1:9 packs profound truth into a single sentence: Jesus, the only authentic Light, radiates God’s life and truth to all humanity and did so by personally entering our world. Because He illuminates every heart and offers salvation to every soul, the proper response is to receive and follow Him, walking in His light and reflecting it to others. |
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