Scripture Reading: John 1
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. John 1:10-11
God came into the world in the person of Jesus so He could have a relationship with us. Tragically, the very world that Jesus Himself had created did not recognize Him.
What do we learn from the passage?
• He was in the world. God came into our world. How? You may ask. Yes, He did. God reached out to all of the human race through Christ Jesus. He lived amongst us and eventually died on our behalf so that we could be reconciled back to God. What an amazing display of God’s love towards us. If Jesus was willing to come into our world, we must be willing to receive Him into our lives.
• The world did not know Him. While the word ‘world’ covers all that is in creation, the primary focus is on people, not things. Human systems and individuals did not respect Jesus. They treated Him just like anyone else. The Creator of the world came to His world; yet the people of the world did not recognize Him. They did not know Him then, and many still do not know Him now.
• He came to His own. Jesus came on earth not to be a king or a celebrity craving the worship of humanity. He came on earth for our sakes; so that we can be saved from our sin and receive salvation. Jesus longs for a relationship with us, and when you open your heart to receive Him, He brings peace, joy and satisfaction, unlike anything you have ever experienced.
• His own did not receive Him. ‘His own’ were the Jewish people. Like all humans, Jesus was born into a human family. Though divine in origin, His natural life was with the Jews. Jesus came to His own people and, many of them wanted nothing to do with Him.
We should not be surprised by this negative attitude, for we ourselves are guilty of the same thing. He made all of us and yet there are many amongst us who do not acknowledge Him as God, the Creator and the One who brings us salvation.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have sent your word into our world. Open my heart to receive your word for my salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
