Jesus’ Epiphany in John’s Gospel
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. John 1:4-5,9
Life is God’s most precious gift! Without life, no other gifts matter. Wealth, health, relationships, opportunities—name whatever you wish, without life none of them matter. They cannot be utilized or enjoyed without first possessing life.
God is the source and the sustaining force behind all life. Scripture informs us: God “has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord… though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:26-28) If God did not create life, it would not exist. If God did not sustain life, it would cease to exist.
Jesus entered a world plagued by death. “In Him was life” as its Creator, its Sustainer, and its Restorer! Sin led to the darkness of death and the physical end of life. Jesus came into this darkness to restore that lost life. He came as “the light of men.” He shone the light of truth into the darkness that blanketed people’s souls. These darkened souls, sadly, did not “comprehend” God’s truths, and many rejected the Light and its gift of life.
Fortunately, the rejection of Jesus by many does not negate His light nor remove its gift of life. Jesus remains “the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” Jesus’ message of light and life is intended for everyone. His Father “loved the world” and so sent Jesus into this world. God promises: “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Dear Jesus, thank You for shining the light of Your truth into the darkness of this world. Thank You for sending Your Spirit to work faith within our hearts, thereby bestowing upon us the gifts of light and life. Amen.