Summary of passage: Jesus (the light) came into the world but many did not recognize him. Those who did receive him received the right to become children of God who were chosen by God for that purpose.
Questions:
7) Unbelievers are Christ’s “own” who did not receive him. Their hearts are hardened. God choses through His infinite grace who will receive Him and who won’t. “Own” refers to all of us and also to home. We see this exact phrase used by John in John 19:27 when Mary was taken home.
8 ) Part personal question. My answer: Receive Christ and believe in him. It has meant everything in my life. It is His will and not mine, and He is faithful.
9) Personal Question. My answer:
Born: We are created for God, given life, born of God.
Not of natural descent: We are from God and exist by His will.
Nor of human decision: God chooses us!
Or a husband’s will: We have no say in whom God chooses.
Born of God: When we are chosen, we are God’s. He lives in us.
Conclusions: Note we skipped verses 6-8 since they reference John the Baptist. We will examine these in Day 4 together with verses 14-5, which combine the symbolism of light. Also note John the Baptist is NOT John the apostle who wrote this book. Different guy entirely.
Loved the focus on how we are chosen by God for His kingdom. So important to remember when we are sharing the gospel and when we are depressed and feel unworthy in this world.
End Notes: Verse 9 does NOT mean every man will have saving light i.e. Jesus. John means Jesus brings light into this world that otherwise would be darkness, which every man can see.
Membership in God’s family is by grace alone–the gift of God–never by human achievement. We have to be open and receptive to God’s word.
Fun Fact: The Greek word for world is used 78 times in this Gospel and 24 times in John’s letters. It’s only used 47 times in all of Paul’s writings.
It can mean: universe, earth, people on earth, most people, people opposed to God or the human system opposed to God’s purposes. John emphasizes this word through repetition and uses it interchangeably between meanings.
