John 1:6-13


"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:6-13 ESV)


The Ministry of John the Baptist

In this passage, John introduces John the Baptist, who was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus, the true Light of the world. John the Baptist's role was to point people to Christ, making it clear that he himself was not the Light but merely a witness to the Light. His ministry was centered on leading people to believe in Jesus, the true source of spiritual illumination.

This distinction between John the Baptist and Jesus is crucial. John was a faithful servant, but he could not provide the salvation that only Christ could offer. He simply bore witness to the One who was coming—the One who alone could give light to everyone. John's example reminds us that, as disciples of Christ, we too are called to bear witness to the Light. We are not the source of light, but we point others to Jesus, the true Light who gives life to all who believe.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 40:3, Luke 3:3-6, John 3:28-30, Acts 19:4


The True Light Rejected by the World

John 1:9-11 reveals the profound tragedy that the true Light, Jesus Christ, came into the world He created, yet the world did not recognize Him. The very creation that owed its existence to Him failed to see Him for who He was. This rejection was especially poignant among His own people who had long awaited the Messiah. Though He came to them, many did not receive Him. This rejection of Jesus illustrates the spiritual blindness that sin produces in the hearts of people, preventing them from recognizing the truth even when it is standing right in front of them.

Despite this rejection, the light of Christ continues to shine. The rejection of Jesus by the world did not diminish His mission. Instead, it magnifies the grace of God, who continues to offer salvation to all who will receive it. Even when the world refuses to acknowledge Jesus, His light remains, and His love endures, inviting all to come to Him and find true life.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 53:3, John 3:19-21, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Romans 1:21-23


The Right to Become Children of God

The passage goes on to offer one of the most glorious promises in all of Scripture: "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). While many rejected Jesus, those who did receive Him—who believed in His name—were granted the incredible privilege of becoming children of God. This is a spiritual birth, one not based on human effort or lineage, but on the will and power of God Himself.

This new identity as God's children comes through faith in Christ. It is not something we can earn or achieve by our own works; it is a gift of grace. To "believe in His name" means to trust in Jesus for who He truly is—the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Through this faith, we are adopted into God's family, with all the rights and privileges of being His children. This is the heart of the gospel message: through Christ, we are brought into a relationship with God as His beloved sons and daughters.

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in this transformation, working in our hearts to bring about this new birth. It is through the Spirit that we are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and empowered to live as children of God. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are indeed God's children (Romans 8:16), and it is through Him that we cry out, "Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6).

Scriptures to Study:

Galatians 3:26, Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 1:5, 1 John 3:1-2


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions