Scripture: John 1:8 (ESV) – “He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.”
John 1:8 offers a crucial clarification: “He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.” The Gospel writer, inspired by the Spirit, is careful to set the record straight. John the Baptist, though an extraordinary servant of God, was not the Light himself. He was a witness, pointing people to Jesus, the true Light of the world. This distinction is essential, and it carries profound lessons for us today.
It is a mark of human pride to seek the spotlight for ourselves, but John understood his place in God’s grand design. He had no desire to steal glory from Christ or to allow people to place their hopes in him. John knew he was a mere forerunner, a voice in the wilderness, tasked with preparing hearts for the arrival of the Messiah. In our own age, when people often seek recognition and crave a following, John’s humility serves as a powerful reminder: we are not the Light. Only Jesus can save, heal, and give life.
Now, let us reflect on our own witness. Do we sometimes take too much credit for the work God does through us? When people are drawn to our words or our service, do we point them back to Christ, or do we subtly let them believe that we are something special? If John, who was declared by Jesus to be among the greatest ever born (Matthew 11:11), refused to elevate himself, how much more should we be careful to deflect all praise and honor to our Lord?
John’s role as a witness was to prepare people’s hearts for Jesus, and ours is no different. We are called to make Christ known, always ensuring that He remains the focus. Like the moon, which has no light of its own but only reflects the sun’s brilliance, we, too, are to reflect the light of Christ. When people see us living out our faith, our aim should be for them to see Jesus shining through us.
But make no mistake: bearing witness to the Light is no small task. It requires us to live in a way that makes Christ visible. It means testifying to His grace, love, and truth even when it costs us something. It means living authentically so that our words and actions align, shining light into a world that desperately needs the hope of the gospel.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas in your life where you seek more glory for yourself than you do for Christ?
- How can you more intentionally bear witness to Jesus, ensuring He remains the center of your message and actions?
Prayer: Gracious God, we confess that we are often tempted to seek recognition and glory for ourselves. Help us, like John the Baptist, to understand our true purpose: to bear witness to Your Son, the true Light. May we always point others to Christ, reflecting His love and truth in all that we do. Strengthen our witness and humble our hearts, so that Jesus alone is glorified. Amen.
*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:8*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 