There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
John 1:6-10
Scripture Notes
After describing the Word, that is, Christ, John the Apostle interrupts his flow about the True Light, the Son of the Living God, to introduce us to a man named John the Baptist. It is clear from verse 7 that John is not the light but is preparing the way for the true light. This distinction is important because it reminds us, as believers, that we, like John, are bearers of truth and witnesses to God’s glory and mercy. We ourselves are not the Light; we do not take center stage; and we do not commandeer the limelight. There is a lesson in John’s words later in the chapter.
I am not the Christ (verse 20). I am not Elijah (verse 21). I am not the prophet (verse 21). I am not worthy to untie his sandals (verse 27).
John the Baptist was no bystander or incidental preacher, nor was he equal to Christ. From the days of old, his life’s plan was set, and he approached it with fervor and humility. From the beginning of his ministry, John made it clear that he was only a forerunner, a messenger and precursor to the great light that was to come. In fact, he had his own prophecy to contend with:
A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.Isaiah 40:3
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
Malachi 3:1
Despite the attention and following he received, John the Baptist remained humble and recognized his true purpose. There is power in stepping aside when a purpose is complete. Holding on to power and influence longer than required creates wannabe demigods or self-named saviors. We are called to a specific purpose, to bear witness and keep our own ambitions out of it. Like John, we need to humble ourselves and raise Christ higher.
You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.”
John 3:28-30
The Light was no longer limited to God’s chosen people but was available to everyone. Like John, the Savior of the world would be born in a humble manger, into a poor family of an oppressed people with little money, power, influence, or reputation. Yet He who spoke the world into being (Psalm 33:6-9, John 1:1-4, Hebrews 1:1-2) was not recognized. The Great Fall from Genesis is so deeply evident. The lie the serpent spoke into existence, that man could be god, permeates every sector of our lives. We long for life and peace yet plunge deeper into darkness.
If we are to truly follow the Light and reignite His divinity, we must set aside our self-importance, personally, communally, culturally, and nationally. We must then redirect our gaze to the Father, who can be seen only by following the True Light. Then we must, in our turn, bear witness to the grace, mercy, love, compassion, and forgiveness we receive. Some will evangelize, some will teach, some will care, some will serve, some will exemplify, and others will glorify through art, words, and deeds. Once we realign the purpose of our existence, we can call ourselves children of the Light.
MEMORY VERse
John Martin. Paradise Lost: The Creation of Light, 1824. The Cleveland Museum of Art
Related Verses
More verses about the true light:
Prayer Invitation
Application Questions
- How can you better follow the true light of Christ instead of the “false lights” of the world?
- Since the light is for everyone, how can you improve how you act and speak about those around you? Who do you need to keep supporting, and how can you heal any broken relationships by being a source of light instead of darkness?
- Have you been resisting the light? In what ways can you surrender more completely to Christ?
MANÁ 
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