Journey Through JohnSample

Scripture: 

John 1:4-5 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

Observation:

Again and again in this passage, Jesus is referred to as “the light.” I love how Scripture uses metaphors out of everyday life that anyone can understand. Light has so many qualities that are similar to Jesus. Light makes life possible. It brings warmth. It causes things to grow and flourish. It brings feelings of joy and optimism, rather than the despair that can come when things are dark and drab. Light dispels darkness, helping us feel safe and secure and taking away our fear and anxiety. But sometimes darkness is also a place where we purposely stay, in order to seek to hide our own faults. Then it takes courage for us to go into the light and let it reveal those areas in our lives that need to be changed. 

Application:

When I go walking each morning, I enjoy watching the first rays of the sun dispel the darkness of the night. I want Jesus to do that in my life: to uncover the hidden sins that perhaps no one else knows about. But deep down, I know they are there. It is tempting to keep my faults and wrong attitudes in the darkness, where I don’t notice them so much. If I compare myself to the worst people I know, I can deceive myself into thinking I’m pretty good and don’t need to change much. But in Jesus’ light, I realize there are things in me that are not what they should be. I don’t want to be an “image manager” trying to simply appear good to myself and to others. Instead I want Jesus to shine His light into my life and reveal to me everything that is not completely pleasing to Him. Only then can He help me to keep growing, so that I become more and more like Him. 

Prayer:

Jesus I thank you for being light in my life. Help me not to hide my sins from you. Don’t let me go day after day simply avoiding noticing what needs to change inside of me. I don’t want to get stuck where I am. So please search my heart right now, and show me the junk, so that you can cleanse me and help me change and grow. I know that the best place to live is in your light. I love you. Amen

Truths to notice:

1:1 Jesus (the Word) has always existed. He is God, but He is also a separate person within the Trinity.

1:3 Jesus is the Creator God.

1:12 All who receive Jesus as the Son of God become God’s children. 

1:14 Jesus is God who became human and lived on earth. 

1:18 While on earth, Jesus showed us and taught us what God is like.