Here John identifies the life and light of Jesus as something that shines in the darkness, but that “the darkness did not comprehend it.” Jesus’ time on earth was destined to end in a violent death for this very reason. He was the “light of the world”, but man hates the light, and refuses to come to it, “lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:20).
The word “comprehend” means to “seize or possess.” Some think it means that the world was unable to contain the light. Others that the world would not embrace the light. Both concepts are certainly true. Jesus was rejected by both the Jews and the Gentiles while on earth. He is likewise rejected by the worldly today. However, regardless of the efforts of the enemy, the light is not extinguished.
Peter said, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:37).
Any who reject Jesus do so at their own peril. It is inevitable that all will eventually acknowledge Him. “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:11-12).
