What Jesus Did! 'Light for Everyone' — John 1:8-9

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

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John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
— John 1:8-9 NLT

Key Thought

John wasn't the light. No, the true light was going to come for everyone. John's ministry was primarily in the desert and to Israelites, but his message wasn't to prepare just Israel for the Messiah. No, we all need his message. Unlike John, the Messiah wasn't going to set up his ministry in the desert and have people come to him. The true light was coming into the world to save all the world. He was going to shine for all people: men and women, slaves and free, Jew and Gentile. [1] Since Jesus is the true light, since he died for our sins and saved us, and since we are his disciples, we need to ask ourselves a crucial question: "What are we - what am I - doing to make sure that everyone gets to know Jesus, God's true light for the world?" Let's be a part of letting the world know that God sent his Son to make salvation available to everyone! [2]

[1] Galatians 3:26-29.
[2] John 3:16-17.

Today's Prayer

O Father, give me a bigger heart for those that I don't know. Use me to share Jesus with those outside my cultural comfort zone. Give me a greater sensitivity to those around me so that they can experience your love and welcoming grace because of the way I treat them. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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16 Related Resources by Heartlight

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Illustration

Illustration of John 1:8-9 NLT — John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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