Do You Know Him? John 1:6-10

 

John 1:6

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

This verse refers to John the Baptist, not the author, John the apostle.

John continues to mirror the pattern of Genesis. It opened with “In the beginning” just like Genesis. Now, here we see a major view point change; just like in Genesis 2:4.

Both start out from a vantage point that could be from God Himself. Then, suddenly, there is a transition; as if God hands the pen to man, and says, “Okay, now it’s your turn to write.  Genesis 2:4; John 1:6.

The first five verses of John paint a picture of The Word (logos); the Intelligent, Eternal, Creator of all things.

Make a mental note that, although we know he is talking about Jesus, it’s likely that many of those first century readers did not; and the name of Jesus, is masterfully missing, until verse seventeen.

However, you can insert your name right here. “There was a (wo)man sent from God, whose name was________.”

7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

This is the seventh time we see the word, “light” since verse four.

However, in the original Greek, the last “light” is a slightly different word.

Of course, this is by design; and tells us a story.

All but the last word for light is, phós. It can be defined as a source of light. Like the sun. Or, like the, Son.

The final word for, light, in the original text, is: phótizó. It means to shine, give light, illuminate. Like the moon, that has no light of its own, but simply reflects the sun. Or, solar lights, that spend time in the sun, to  shine in the night.

The application isn’t hard to grasp.

But just to be sure, He spelled it out at the end of verse nine.

The True Light, gives light to every one, not just John, not just preachers, every.single.one.

If we’re given light, it’s our responsibility to shine.

 Lord Jesus, help us to shine, with Your, Love and Light.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

The Light, is personalized by using the word, “He.” Just as the Word was personalized the same way in verse two.

Once again, this masterful writing is no mistake.

Remember, first century readers, still haven’t heard the Word, Jesus. Yet, they must be falling in love with Whoever, John is writing about. Line upon line, precept upon precept, he magnifies, the Word, (Logos), the Creator, the Source and Giver of Light. What’s not to love?

But then…

They don’t know Him?

How can this be? How can creation, not know the Creator?

This question must be answered.

Do you know Him, really? Or, do you just know stuff about Him?

Jesus asked it of His disciples. “Who do you say, I am?” Mark 8:29, Matthew 16:15.

When John the Baptist was still in the womb, he recognized Jesus, who was still in Mary’s womb. Luke 1:41. Yet, when he was in Herod’s prison, his circumstances, might’ve caused him to have second thoughts, so he sent the question to Jesus, “Are you the One, or should we look for another?” Luke 7:19.    

The question comes up three more times in this chapter alone.

In verse twenty-six, John the Baptist tells the Pharisees they don’t know Him. Then, in verses thirty-one and thirty-three, John the Baptist admits that even he didn’t know Him; until something happened that convinced him completely, forever. (Albeit, he may have waivered, briefly; at the end of his life, while in prison, as alluded to above).  

What happened to John to convince him completely?

The same thing that can, and should, and will, happen to us, if we’re willing.

God spoke something to him, that was for him, and him alone. God still does that today. He will do it for you, too.

John was simply doing what he was called by God to do. Baptize and prepare the way for the Messiah by preaching a message of repentance. John 1:31.

He wasn’t exactly sure Who the Messiah was, but God told him that it would be the One, “Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining…” John 1:33.

And so, when John baptized Jesus, he saw it happen. And he knew and said:

“I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” John 1:33.

Do you know Him? Have you heard Him? Do you still? He is speaking. Are you listening? Do you want to know Him?

Jesus says His sheep know His voice. John 10:4.

At the end of this chapter, we meet Nathanael. He doesn’t think much of Jesus. He says, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” John 1:46. Folks from Nazareth were looked down upon. Calling someone a Nazarene was sort of like calling them, white trash.

 Yet, as soon as they meet, Jesus says, something about seeing him under the fig tree. And that was all it took. It was so powerful, so personal, that Nathanial went from thinking Jesus was low down dirty rotten scum, to saying:

“Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” John 1:49.

He knows you, that well too.

Just one Word, from Him, can make all the difference.

Do you know Him?

Do you want to?

Can you hear Him?

Are you listening?

Have you heard Him, so you too, can say:

I have seen, I have heard, I know, You are My Lord and Savior!

Lord Jesus,

We want to know You, hear You. Open our hearts, our ears. Speak to us, Lord, we are listening.

Thank You,

We love You, forever.