Scripture Daily

Context No. 3865 of 4322 · John

Context · Reflection

John 1:6-13: in context

6There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. 9The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. 10He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him. 11He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him. 12But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: 13who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John introduces the coming of the true light, Christ, into the world, and records both a tragedy and a wonder. The tragedy: he came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. The very world made through him did not recognize him, and those he came to did not welcome him.

But then the wonder: to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Here is the whole gospel in miniature. Christ, the light and maker of the world, comes to us, and everything turns on how we respond. Some do not receive him, remaining in the dark; but to those who do receive him, welcoming him by faith, he gives an astonishing gift: the right to become children of God, born not of human descent or effort but of God himself. Being a child of God is not a birthright of blood or a reward for effort; it is a gift given to all who receive Christ. The question the passage puts to each of us is simply this: have we received him?

Have I received Christ, welcoming him by faith, and so taken hold of the gift he gives to all who do, the right to become a child of God, born of God himself?

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