John 1:6-13
John the Baptist’s ministry is here described by the apostle as a “witness.” This agrees with other descriptions of John. He was revealed in prophecy as the one who would “prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3). His purpose was to introduce the world to “one who is coming after,” (cf. Matthew 3:11), the savior of the world.
John here describes that One as the “true light which gives light to every man” (vs. 9). In that phrase is an understanding of Christ as Lord and Savior. It is His will that gives man understanding, and His incarnation and sacrifice that brings man out of the darkness of sin and “into His marvelous light” (cf. 1 Peter 2:9).
Not all embrace Jesus as the Light. Though He made the world, he was not known or received by many in the world. Only those described here as having been born of God, or having received Him are identified as children of God. The idea is echoed in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:3-5. Consider carefully His words, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (3:3).
