Read: John 1:1-18
He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. (v. 7)
Light is a blessing. From campfires to oil lamps to electrical lightbulbs and sunlight; light helps people see, work, and find their way. Consider how natural light blesses your day and how artificial light enables your day to continue after the sun sets.
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is compared to light, and our reading today is one of the most familiar of those Bible passages. It comes from the Gospel of John (recorded not by John the Baptist but by Jesus’ disciple John). John 1:4-5 tell us: “In him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Verses 6-8 introduce John the Baptist and his role to witness to the light. In John 8:12, Jesus affirmed: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Like John the Baptist, our role is to be a witness to Jesus. There is much darkness and brokenness in our world, but there is hope because Jesus is the true light who shines forever. Through Jesus, you and I can become children of God (v. 12). That is the good news and hope our world needs to hear. How will you be a witness to Jesus today?
As you pray, thank God for Jesus and pray that he will help you be a light for him in a dark and broken world.
About the Author
Rev. Steve Petroelje is a specialized transition pastor who serves vacant churches and helps them assess health, pursue missional effectiveness, and conduct a pastoral search process. He is the past-president of the Words of Hope Board of Trustees.
