January 15, 2016
Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:5; John 8:12; John 9:4-5; John 12:35-36
1 John 1:5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
John 8:12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 9:4As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 12:35Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
Questions for Reflection:
One of the key words used throughout John’s writing is the term “light.” In fact, nearly half of the uses of the term in the New Testament come in John’s writing. Based on the passages above, what can you deduce about John’s view of “light”? What did he mean by it? What does he contrast the light with?
John contrasts light with darkness. However this was not unique to John. One commentator notes “the categories of light and darkness belong to the universal language of religious symbolism.” John is drawing on his rich Jewish heritage and the testimony of the Old Testament when he invokes the imagery of light and darkness. Gary Burge explains this in great detail within his commentary:
“When John affirms that God is light, he is recalling an idea whose lineage begins in the Old Testament. In Exodus 3 Moses experiences God as fire. In 13:21 God’s presence as fire illumines the way the Israelites travel in the desert (cf. Num. 9). Thus when the tabernacle is erected, God’s presence is signaled with fire in the golden lampstands. Fire brings light, and so similarly God is described as light. Hence Psalm 104:2 says, ‘God wraps himself in light as with a garment,’ and the psalmist appeals to him, ‘Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD” (4:6). God’s working among people is consistently described as the bringing of light that eliminates darkness.”
In saying, “God is light,” John is making an important theological statement about the nature and character of God. Based on what we’ve read today, how would this phrase have informed the church? Why does John spend so much time laying a theological framework prior to moving to ethical implications? Burge summarizes the reason clearly: “right thinking about God (‘God is light’) is a necessary prerequisite for life in the Christian community.” As John fought for the health of his church, he wanted them anchored with a proper view of God. How can you help others have a proper view of God? What are ways as a follower of Jesus that you can continue to cultivate your theological understanding?
For Further Study:
Would you like to really grow your understanding of the Christian doctrine of God? One great resource is Dr. William Lane Craig’s Defenders Podcast. He has 21 short lectures followed by a period of question and answer that will walk you through a biblical framework for understanding the nature and character of God. You can find the Defenders Podcast here.