Devotion on What Jesus Did: The Light That Came and Was Rejected
Scripture: John 1:6-13 (ESV) “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
Consider what Jesus did—He came as the true light into a world He created and sustains! God sent John the Baptist not to glorify himself, but to point to this light, so we’d believe. Jesus, who created all, holds all together, and even before His cross and resurrection, illuminated the world with His glory.
Yet, when He took on flesh, the world rejected Him. His own people, the Jews, who should have known better, turned away. Darkness hates the light! But some received Him—believing in His name: God the Son, the Word incarnate, who lived, died, and rose for us. It’s not mere reverence like in Islam or Mormonism; it’s entrusting your life to the biblical Jesus.
How dire our sin that God Himself had to come? What horror our rebellion? But glorious is His salvation—perfect, complete! John the Baptist existed to point people to Jesus. Pastors exist to point people to Jesus, not ourselves. If you’re unbelieving, believe now!
Application: Reflect on your sin’s depth and Christ’s coming. Point someone to Jesus today, proclaiming His redemptive work.
Prayer: Jesus, true Light, thank You for coming despite rejection. Forgive my sins and help me believe fully. Use me to declare You, that others might receive eternal life. Amen.