The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it. John 1:5 WEB
The word translated as ”overcome” in this scripture is sometimes translated as “comprehend.” It is a reference to wicked people failing to grasp or understand the godly nature of Christ. With these words, John relates that the world did not recognize its Creator when he came in the flesh. Also, his words are an indication of Jesus’ superiority over the forces of darkness.
In the statement, “the light shines in the darkness,” light represents Christ and his message to the world. The light that Jesus shined made clear the difference between sin and righteousness to those who perceived it. It exposed the selfish, sinful nature of man. Those that denied him did so because they stubbornly held to their sinful nature.
The Judgment
Many people do not grasp the divinity of Christ because they prefer darkness to light. As we read in John 3:19, “This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. WEB”
Christ assures his disciples in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world. WEB” Rather than darkness overcoming the light of Christ, through his unfailing love and obedience to our heavenly Father, Christ overcame darkness on the cross as he took on the sin of the world.
God’s Plan for Our Salvation
The Lord died for our sins, and our Father in heaven raised him from the dead. In its attempt to overcome Jesus, darkness seized his fleshly body and nailed him to the cross. But darkness could not see the plan God had for our salvation. Still today, the light shines in the darkness and the world does not understand it. Only those who the Lord calls out of the world comprehend his goodness.
As Jesus approached his final breath, his final words as recorded in John 19:30 were, “It is finished.” This is a translation of the Greek word “tetelestai” which is an accounting term meaning “paid in full.” What the forces of darkness meant for evil, God used for good. On the cross, God paid the wages of our sin himself in the person of his Son Jesus Christ making eternal life possible for those who believe in him.
Prayer; ‘Father God, thank you for convicting me of my sin. Thank you for paying the price for my iniquity. The light shines in me because of your love. Give me wisdom to understand your will and guide me to serve you in any way you see fit. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Incorruptable
