Jesus, the light of men
Apr 10
The Light: His Relationship to Us
Jesus, the Life, became the Light of Men (John 1:4b-5). The phrase “and the life was the light of men” is in the Greek imperfect tense. This means that “the life” began to be “the light of men” in the past and continues to be so in the present time. The Son of God is the source and essence of life itself. When lost in darkness and death, the best place to look for redemption is the source of all life (Jesus, the Son) and not the source of death (Satan, the adversary). “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).
Even as the Son first gave physical life to the creatures of the world, and just as He continues to “uphold all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3), He offers spiritual life to the spiritually dead and eternal life to those who live by faith. In the darkness of suffering and sin, as evil and wickedness continue to have such a cruel impact on our existence in this world, it would seem as if people would be flocking to the light that has come into the world. But that is not the way it is!
“And the light shines in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” The sad truth is darkness is opposed to the truth. Many have closed their hearts and minds to the light. They choose to ignore it, neglect it, or even oppose it. Many have come to “love darkness” and “hate the light” because “their deeds were evil” (John 3:19-21).
The final result of this kind of rebellion is eternal darkness; a final separation from the light. But this also means a final separation from all that is good; from love, joy and peace. It means never ending sorrow, tears and pain. Do not retreat from the light! It leads to life!