From Darkness to Light

John’s gospel is a beacon of light in a world of darkness. In it we read

Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light. John 3:21 John’s  gospel is a beacon of light in a world of darkness. In it we read that “whoever believes in [Jesus] shall not perish but have eternal life” (3:16). We discover that “whoever hears [Jesus’] word and believes [God] has eternal life” (5:24). And we hear Jesus say, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry” (6:35). Indeed, “whoever lives by the truth comes into the light” (3:21). The troubles we face may be great, but Jesus is greater. He came to give us “life . . . to the full” (10:10). Like Aakash, may you place your faith in Jesus—the hope of the world and the light for all humanity. By Dave Branon REFLECT & PRAY

How do the world’s problems threaten to overwhelm you? How does the message and presence of Jesus encourage you? Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the hope found in Your Son.

Scripture Insight 

John 3:16, a well-known verse, is a small part of a big conversation. A Pharisee named Nicodemus sought out Jesus under the cover of night with some questions. When Jesus quickly turned the conversation to the kingdom of God (v. 3), Nicodemus struggled to keep up.

Jesus told the Pharisee that only believing in Him—the Son of God—would provide admittance into the coming kingdom. And that belief would remake all those who believed (v. 5; see Genesis 1:1–3). But then Christ subtly chided Nicodemus. He pointed out that those who truly wish to do what’s right will do it in the light of day—not the cover of night. If Nicodemus (or anyone) wants to truly believe in Jesus, it requires obedience in the full light of day (John 3:19–21).

Jed Ostoich