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

Friday, January 7, 2022

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

  • John 8:12
  • 1 Peter 2:9
  • 2 Corinthians 4:4

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

17 Related Resources by Heartlight

Witness to the Light and Example to Me
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light."
The Code Breaker
Article by Phil Ware
Can we really break the code? While there is much ado about the Da Vinci code, the real proof of Christianity's vitality and truth to the younger generation will be seen our living of the truth of Jesus.
But to All...
Devo: Together in Christ
"The one who is the true light [Jesus Christ], who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He came into the very world he created, but...."
What about Xmas?
Article by Jerry Whitmire
What are we supposed to do about Christmas? Knowing what to do about the birth of Jesus is quite a dilemma, however, we do need to acknowledge he was born and respond appropriately.
See All 17 Related Resources about John 1:8-9

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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, January 7, 2022

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'A Marvelous Message' (1 Th. 1:2-8)
"Dear Father, Thank you for the great numbers of believers in Jesus Christ, for their works of faith, their labors of love, and their steadfastness of..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Mark 16:9
"Jesus "appeared first to Mary Magdalene," probably not only on account of her great love and persevering seeking, but because, as the context..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Jesus Will Baptize with the Holy Spirit'
"[John the Baptizer:] "I baptize you with water, but [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.""

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.

More What Jesus Did!