The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:5
It is clear that John is speaking of Jesus as “the light” that shines in the darkness. To appreciate the light of Jesus we must recognize the darkness of humanity and our own darkness. If you have trouble admitting that humanity exists in darkness, please watch the evening news tonight. We are far from God in our pride, rebellion, and selfishness. On a personal note, we fail to get along with everyone around us. We harbor bitterness and unforgiveness against each other. The world’s people are constantly in conflict with one another.
It was into this darkness that the light of Jesus brightly shined. This light of His love, righteousness, obedience to the Father, and sacrifice for us is so brilliant, that to sinful eyes, Jesus seems blinding and hard to look upon. Jesus is perfect and reveals our many imperfections. While the life of Jesus shows where we fall short, He came preaching the way sinners could have relationship with God. Jesus was not born to sinners to blind them, but to heal our greatest hurt and restore our relationship with God. This is the gospel: Jesus died for sinners (1 Corinthians 15:3). Jesus has shined the light of His life into our darkness so that He can save us from our darkness.
Most of the people of this world are hostile to Jesus, His message, and His mission, but they will never be able to overcome the light of Jesus. Jesus is the Son of God. His message is God’s plan to rescue sinners through the sacrifice of Jesus. And Scripture tells us that Jesus will complete His mission. John wrote of Jesus, “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).
