📖 Passage

John 1:6–13
Read John 1:6-13 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

Following the declaration that the Word is eternal and divine, John introduces John the Baptist — the forerunner sent by God to bear witness to the Light. His ministry fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1) by preparing the hearts of Israel for the Messiah. The narrative then shifts to the coming of the true Light, who is revealed to the whole world. While many reject Him, those who believe receive the right to become God's children — a work not of human effort but of divine grace.

🌿 Key Themes

• Divine Commission — John the Baptist's role was appointed by God to point others to Christ.
• Witness and Response — The Light is made known through testimony, calling for a response of faith.
• Universal Illumination — Christ's light shines on all, yet not all will receive Him.
• Rejection and Adoption — The world's natural rejection is contrasted with the gift of becoming children of God.
• New Birth — Spiritual regeneration is God's work alone.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

John 1:6

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

• God-Sent Messenger — John's authority came from divine commission, not human appointment.
• Prophetic Role — He stands in continuity with the prophets, calling people to repentance.
• Historical Reality — Rooted in real history, not legend or myth.

John 1:7

"He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him."

• Purpose of Witness — His ministry's aim was to direct people to Christ.
• Universal Call — "All" signifies the invitation to everyone without partiality.
• Faith Through Testimony — God uses human witness to bring people to saving faith.

John 1:8

"He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light."

• Role Clarification — John distinguished himself from the Messiah to avoid confusion.
• Humility in Ministry — He willingly took a lesser role so Christ would be exalted.
• Christ-Centered Focus — True ministry deflects attention to Jesus.

John 1:9

"The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world."

• True Light — Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's truth and salvation.
• Universal Reach — His light touches all humanity, though not all accept it.
• Incarnational Mission — The eternal Word entered the human story.

John 1:10

"He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him."

• Creator Among Creation — The Maker came to dwell in the world He made.
• Tragic Blindness — The world's failure to recognize its Creator reveals spiritual darkness.
• Prophetic Fulfillment — Echoes Isaiah's prophecy of the rejected Servant.

John 1:11

"He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him."

• Covenant People — Israel, God's chosen nation, should have recognized the Messiah.
• National Rejection — Despite prophetic witness, many refused Him.
• Warning — Familiarity with truth does not guarantee acceptance.

John 1:12

"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

• Faith Response — Receiving Christ involves trusting in His person and work.
• Adoption as Sons and Daughters — Believers gain the privilege of becoming God's children.
• Open Invitation — Available to all who believe, regardless of background.

John 1:13

"Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."

• Spiritual Birth — Regeneration is the work of the Spirit, not human effort.
• Sovereign Grace — Salvation depends entirely on God's will.
• Contrast to Natural Birth — Emphasizes the supernatural nature of becoming God's child.

🔍 Trusted Insight

Spurgeon commented that these verses "strip man of every boast" by showing that salvation is not inherited or earned but entirely a work of God's sovereign grace. The glory belongs to God alone for granting the new birth to those who believe.

Summary: The Light shines for all, but only those born of God receive Him and become His children.

🧩 Review Questions

1. Why was it necessary for God to send John the Baptist before Christ's public ministry?
2. What does it mean that Jesus is the "true Light" that enlightens everyone?
3. How does John 1:12–13 reveal God's role in salvation?
4. What lessons can we learn from the national rejection of Jesus by His own people?

🔍 Definitions

• Witness — One who gives testimony to what they have seen or heard.
• True Light — The complete and perfect revelation of God in Christ.
• Receive — To welcome and accept Jesus in faith.
• Born of God — Spiritual regeneration initiated by God alone.

🙋 Application Questions

1. How can you be a faithful witness to Christ like John the Baptist?
2. In what ways have you seen God's light overcome spiritual darkness in your life?
3. How does the truth that you are "born of God" shape your confidence and identity?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Martyria (Witness) — Testimony given to establish truth.
• Alēthinos (True) — Genuine and ultimate, not a copy or shadow.
• Lambanō (Receive) — To welcome or take hold of personally.
• Tekna (Children) — Sons and daughters brought into God's family by grace.
• Gennaō (Born) — To be given new life by God's power.

📚 Cross References

• Isaiah 40:3 — The prophetic forerunner prepares the way of the Lord.
• Malachi 3:1 — God promises to send His messenger before the Messiah.
• Isaiah 49:6 — The Servant will be a light to the nations.
• Ephesians 2:8–9 — Salvation is by grace through faith, not works.
• 1 Peter 2:9 — God's people are called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
• 1 John 3:1 — God's love makes believers His children.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → John 1:14–18