The Most Important Word in John’s Gospel

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

John Says

John 1.9-13

9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

A Very Sad Story (Verses 10-11)

“The love of the world hinders people from knowing their Maker, though he made the world solely to make himself known.”

Please don’t read the above quote from Johannes Albrech Bengel too quickly. Think about the only reason why God made the world – to make himself known to people like us.

Then, imagine the tragedy of people using the world for their own pleasure and self-centered desires, but failing to get acquainted with their Creator. This is truly a very sad story.

Please note, we are still in what I call the “Table of Contents” of John’s Gospel. This tragic story will be presented numerous times as we study John and will reach its zenith in the act of God’s creation putting their Creator on the cross.

Very Good News for Us (Verses 12-13)

Notice the words in verse 9 that the “true light [Jesus] enlightens everyone.” God so loves the world that he doesn’t leave anyone out of the opportunity to know him. These thoughts are bigger than my mind, but they are the word of God. Praise God that every person on the face of the earth has some way of knowing who he is.

The above thought does not stop the church from being a witness to Jesus. In fact, being a witness is one of the central themes of John’s Gospel.

The goal of the good news of Jesus (the Gospel) is for people to welcome, to place their trust in, and to give themselves to the person of Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God to the planet.

The Most Important Word in John – Believe

The most important word in John’s Gospel is “believe.” Obviously, If people like you and me are to experience him, we must believe in him.

God has made it possible for us to believe – to welcome, to place their trust in, and to give ourselves – to the person of Jesus Christ.

Today’s Prayer

Dear God, please forgive me for simply using your world for my pleasure-seeking and self-centered desires. I recognize that you have made the world, so people can know you. I receive your love and seek a deeper relationship with you. I also commit myself to help other people experience your love by welcoming you into their lives.

Your Turn

First, have you received Jesus into your life? Have you welcomed him to be a part of your day today?

Second, is there someone in your life who needs to hear how Jesus has made your life better? Please pray for this person and ask God to show his love though you to them.

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