Being the Light of the World

1:1-14
    
    When exclaiming Jesus deity, John describes Jesus as not just the Word, which was God and came in the flesh (John 1:1; 14), but also as the Light (John 1:4-13). John says that Jesus was the Life (also attested by Jesus in John 16:6), and in that life was the Light. He also tells us the purpose of Light; to “shine in the darkness.” By its very nature, light exposes darkness. Following the same concept, in the sermon on the mount, Jesus exclaims, “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 6:14&16). Christians are supposed to expose darkness in the same way the Jesus did. “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them” (Eph. 5:11). Christians are not supposed to take part in these evil deeds. If you think about it, many sins that are discussed in Gal. 5:19-21 are performed in the literal darkness. If we are to follow these examples set forth by scripture, we must make sound judgments (John 7:24), have compassion on people (Matt. 14:14), and warn them of their spiritual decay (Matt. 23:13-33). In the process, we must be prepared for some not to listen (John 1:10-11). Even though “His own” did not listen to Jesus, did that stop Him? “After the two days He went forth from there into Galilee. For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country” (John 4:43-44). We need to go out and be the light of the world. If some reject us, know they rejected Jesus too. I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley