Thoughts on the Gospel of John (4) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the light, that all through him might believe. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness of that light. That was the true light, which gives light to every man coming into the world.
John 1:6-9

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (4)
The gospel of John begins with the glory of the Son of God. He is the "Word", i.e. the expression of God's thoughts and intents. As the source of divine life, He is also the "light of men". Now we learn how God works to draw attention to this light, for He loves mankind. Therefore He not only gave the light, but sent a forerunner, John the Baptist. He was to prepare people to recognise the extraordinary significance of the "true light".

John himself was a mere man. His name means "the Lord is gracious". His birth and descent are not mentioned in this gospel. Compared with the light, John is only a "burning and shining lamp" (ch. 5:35), not the light itself.

Two further points are noteworthy:

In contrast to the law of Sinai the light is not limited to the people of Israel: Jesus Christ came for all. Since His coming none can pass Him by. Whoever is confronted by Him senses at once that he has been placed in God's light.

It was important for John the Baptist that everyone should believe in the Son of God, who had come not simply to make God known and to expose man's depravity, but also to save the lost.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Joshua 15:20-16:10 · 1 Corinthians 13:1-13