In the Gospel of John, Jesus Christ is referred to as the “Light of the World.”
In John 3:19-21, Jesus presentes us with a dichotomy between light and darkness, truth and evil. This passage peals back an understanding of human nature and the power of Christ’s light.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the light referred to in these verses is not mere physical light but represents Jesus Christ Himself. When Jesus says, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world,” he is emphasizing that the very presence of Christ challenges the moral and spiritual status quo. Jesus, as the Light, illuminates our lives, exposing our good deeds as well as evil.
The text reminds us that who do truth “cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” This implies a drawing to goodness and righteousness for those who seek the truth.
If one is living a life aligned with God’s will, there’s a natural inclination to come closer to the light—Jesus Christ—so that one’s good deeds may be visible for all to see.
The Dim Dilemma: Men Love Darkness
The text also sheds light on a grim aspect of human nature: “men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
People often avoid the light, which in this context is the truth and wisdom imparted by Jesus, because it exposes their evil deeds. It’s more convenient to hide one’s wrongdoings in the dark rather than face who we really are in the light of who He really is!
The text goes on to state that “every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” The light here serves as a moral mirror. It doesn’t only illuminate; it also reproves and corrects. People living in sin avoid the light to dodge this spiritual “reality check.”
John 3:19-21 provides an eye-opening reality on the human condition. It lays bare the choices we have—to live in the light or stay in darkness. The light, embodied by Jesus Christ, stands as a beacon calling us toward righteousness and truth.
