In a world often shrouded in shadows, political unrest, personal struggles, and spiritual confusion, the concept of "light" stands as a beacon of hope. From the dawn of creation, light has symbolized goodness, truth, and divine presence. The Bible repeatedly equates light with the essence of God Himself. As Jesus declared in John 12:46 (ESV), "I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness." When we place our trust in Him as Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells us, making us carriers of this divine light (John 8:12). Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commissioned His followers in Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This mandate isn't just about evangelism; it's about spreading the light of Christ globally. But how do we practically live this out? In this post, we'll explore John 1:1-9 from the English Standard Version, exegeting key words and phrases from the original Greek to uncover profound truths. We will see how the eternal Word, Jesus, embodies light, and how we, as His followers, are called to reflect it. Ultimately, I'll challenge you to ask God how He wants you to share His light today.
Understanding the Gospel of John: A Foundation for Light
To grasp the depth of "being the light," we must first appreciate the unique lens of the Gospel of John. As the fourth Gospel, it forms part of what early Christian writers like Origen (A.D. 185-254) called the "four-fold gospel", one unified story told through four perspectives on Jesus' life. John, likely written last, complements Matthew, Mark, and Luke by emphasizing who Jesus is rather than just what He did. While the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) focus on Jesus' Galilean ministry and events such as His birth, baptism, and parables, John highlights His Jerusalem-centered teachings and His divine identity.
John omits certain events, such as the temptation in the wilderness or the agony in Gethsemane, to spotlight Jesus' heavenly origin, proving He is God incarnate. Each Gospel traces Jesus' roots differently: Matthew from Abraham and David (the promised Messiah), Mark from Nazareth (the Servant), Luke from Adam (the Perfect Man), and John from heaven itself (God eternal). Yet, John humbly admits his account isn't exhaustive; the full story of Jesus is boundless (John 21:25).
Known as a synoptic outlier, John uses seven miraculous signs (e.g., turning water to wine, raising Lazarus) and seven "I AM" statements (e.g., "I am the bread of life") to reveal Jesus' divinity, elements absent in the others. Witnesses, like John the Baptist, testify to His identity, building a case for belief. John's purpose is clear: "these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31, ESV). This Gospel has transformed skeptics, with fragments dating before A.D. 150 affirming its early circulation.
John himself, a fisherman, son of Zebedee, brother of James (the "Sons of Thunder"), was an eyewitness, yet he steps back to let Jesus shine. Beloved for its simplicity and profundity, John is like "a pool in which a child may wade and an elephant may swim." Its stories captivate children, while its depths challenge philosophers. As we dive into the prologue (John 1:1-18), a summation of the entire book, we'll see themes of the Word, life, light, and regeneration unfold, pointing us to our role as light-bearers.
Exegeting John 1:1-9: The Word as Eternal Light
John's prologue is not a mere introduction; it's a theological masterpiece that reveals Jesus as the divine Logos, bringing light to humanity. Let's exegete verses 1-9 phrase by phrase, drawing from the original Greek (using the ESV translation) to illuminate key concepts. We'll unpack words like Logos (Word), zōē (life), and phōs (light), showing how they connect to God's goodness and our calling.
John 1:1-2: The Pre-Existence of the Word
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God" (ESV).
The phrase "In the beginning" (En archē) echoes Genesis 1:1, referring to timeless eternity before creation. John asserts that the Logos, translated "Word", existed eternally. In Greek thought, logos represented the rational principle ordering the universe, the "Ultimate Reason" behind cosmos and chaos. For Jews, it evoked God's creative word (e.g., "the word of God" as a stand-in for God in ancient texts like Exodus 19:17). John bridges these worlds: the Logos is no abstract force but a personal Being, Jesus, who reveals the invisible God.
"The Word was with God" (pros ton Theon) implies intimate fellowship and distinct personality, not absorption. Pros suggests face-to-face communion, affirming the Trinity: the Word is fully God (theos ēn ho logos) yet distinct from the Father. This counters heresies such as Arianism (denying Christ's divinity) and Sabellianism (denying distinct persons). The repetition in verse 2 emphasizes eternity: the Word didn't begin; He was (ēn, imperfect tense, denoting continuous existence).
Spiritually, this establishes Jesus as the eternal source of light, goodness incarnate. If light equates to good (as in Psalm 27:1, where God is our light and salvation), then the pre-existent Word embodies divine goodness from eternity.
John 1:3: The Creative Power of the Word
"All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made" (ESV).
Here, panta di' autou egeneto underscores the Word's role in creation. Ginomai (made) implies coming into being, aligning with Genesis, where God speaks creation into existence. The double negative, "without him was not any thing made", emphasizes totality: nothing exists apart from Him (cf. Colossians 1:16). This refutes Gnostic ideas of a lesser creator; the Logos is the uncreated Creator.
As light-bearers, this reminds us that the goodness we share stems from Christ's creative power. He who made the stars calls us to illuminate dark corners with His truth.
John 1:4-5: Life and Light in the Word
"In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (ESV).
"In him was life" (en autō zōē ēn) uses zōē, not bios (biological life), to mean the vital principle of existence, spiritual, eternal life. Jesus doesn't merely possess life; He is life, the source sustaining all (Acts 17:28). This life becomes "the light of men" (to phōs tōn anthrōpōn), where phōs symbolizes revelation, truth, and moral goodness. In Scripture, light often contrasts with darkness (evil, ignorance; e.g., Isaiah 5:20). Jesus as light exposes sin and guides to salvation.
"The light shines in the darkness" (to phōs en tē skotia phainei) employs the present tense (phainei), indicating ongoing action: the light continually pierces darkness. "The darkness has not overcome it" (hē skotia auto ou katelaben) can mean "comprehend" (grasp mentally) or "overcome" (conquer). Both fit: darkness neither understands nor defeats light. This echoes Genesis 1:2-3, where God's light banishes primordial chaos.
For believers, this is empowering. Indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we carry this unconquerable light (2 Corinthians 4:6). Darkness, despair, and sin cannot prevail when we shine.
John 1:6-8: The Witness to the Light
"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light" (ESV).
John the Baptist (Iōannēs) is introduced as "sent from God" (apostalmenos para Theou), emphasizing divine commission (apostellō implies apostolic sending). His role: marturia (witness), repeated for emphasis, to testify to the phōs so others believe (pisteuō, trust/commit). He clarifies: "He was not the light" (ouk ēn ekeinos to phōs), countering any confusion (some sects revered John overly; Acts 19:1-7).
Witnessing commits one; it's not neutral. John's humility points us: we're not the source but reflectors, directing others to Christ's light.
John 1:9: The Universal Light
"The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world" (ESV).
"The true light" (to phōs to alēthes) distinguishes genuine (alēthēs, real/unveiled) from false. It "gives light to everyone" (phōtizei panta anthrōpon), not universal salvation but common grace, illuminating consciences universally (Romans 1:20). "Was coming into the world" (ērchomenon eis ton kosmon) signals incarnation: the eternal Word enters creation.
This verse bridges to our mission: the light isn't hidden; it's for all. As saved ones, we extend this illumination.
The Light Within: From Reception to Reflection
John 1:1-9 reveals the Word as eternal, creative light, goodness personified. But light demands a response. Verses 10-13 (though beyond our focus, they connect) show rejection: "He was in the world... yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him" (ESV). "Know" (egnō) implies recognition; "receive" (parelabon) means welcome. Yet, "as many as received him... he gave the right to become children of God" (ESV), born of God, not human will.
This regeneration infuses us with Christ's light. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12, ESV). Through faith, the Holy Spirit indwells, making us "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8). Light equates to good: moral purity, truth, and love (1 John 1:5-7). We're not just recipients; we're radiators.
Three Ways to Share the Light
Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) calls us to carry this light worldwide. But how? Here are three biblical ways, rooted in Scripture and John's prologue.
Missionary Outreach
God sends some as global light-bearers. "All nations" in the Commission echoes John's "world" (kosmos). Billions remain unreached; Romans 10:14 asks, "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?"
Missionaries embody this: like Paul, venturing to distant lands (Acts 13:47, "I have made you a light for the Gentiles"). Today, this might mean relocating to unreached people groups, translating Scripture, or planting churches. The light in John 1:5 "shines in the darkness", mission fields are often spiritually dark, but unconquerable.
If God's calling you abroad, pray for confirmation. Stories abound: Hudson Taylor to China, Amy Carmichael to India. Their lives reflect the Logos creating new life amid chaos.
Everyday Evangelism
Most shine right where we are. Jesus modeled this in Jerusalem (John's focus). Acts 1:8 starts with "Jerusalem" before "the end of the earth." Our neighborhoods, families, and workplaces need gospel hope.
Philip shared with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8); Priscilla and Aquila discipled Apollos (Acts 18). Simple acts, conversations, hospitality, spread light. In a post-Christian culture, where anxiety and division reign, embodying goodness (kindness, integrity) draws others. As John 1:9's light "gives light to everyone," our local witness illuminates daily lives.
Start small: invite a coworker to church, share your testimony with family. The indwelling Spirit empowers (Acts 1:8).
Generous Support
God calls us to give money, talents, and time, so salvation's message spreads. "Give" (didōmi in Greek) appears often; 2 Corinthians 9:7 urges cheerful giving. Resources fund missions, Bibles, and aid.
The Macedonian Churches gave sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8); Phoebe supported Paul (Romans 16:1-2). Today, tithing supports global outreach; using talents (art, teaching) amplifies light. John's zōē (life) flows through generosity, sustaining ministries.
Audit your resources: How can your finances fuel evangelism? Can your skills disciple others? Generosity reflects God's grace (John 1:16).
Are You Willing?
Being the light isn't easy. Darkness resists (John 1:5), facing opposition, doubt, failure. Yet, the light prevails. Paul's thorn (2 Corinthians 12) didn't dim his shine; neither should ours.
Encouragement: You're equipped. The same Logos who created all indwells you. Philippians 2:13: "It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Ask God Today
We have journeyed through John 1:1-9, exegeting the Logos as eternal light, life-giver, and unconquerable force. Light is good, divine truth piercing darkness. As saved believers, we carry this via the Spirit, commissioned to disciple nations.
The question: Are you willing to share in God's way? Not my way or yours, but His. Pause now: "Lord, how would You like me to share Your light?" Listen. He might prompt a mission trip, a local conversation, or generous giving. Whatever it is, step out, be the light.
In a world craving hope, let Christ's radiance illuminate. The story continues through us.
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