Scripture: John 3:19 (ESV) – “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”
Jesus now explains the reason for condemnation: it is not that people lack knowledge of the truth, but that they willfully reject it. He describes Himself as “the light” that has come into the world, yet many prefer darkness. This is a sobering reality—humanity does not simply fail to believe out of ignorance, but rather out of love for sin.
The document highlights the tragic irony in this verse. Christ, the true Light, has come to bring life and salvation, yet many reject Him, not because His message is unclear but because it exposes their sin. The love of darkness is not passive but active; it is a deliberate choice to remain in sin rather than embrace the transforming power of Christ. Jesus’ words make it clear: the issue is not intellectual but moral. People reject Him because they do not want their lives to change.
John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John, emphasizes the depth of human depravity revealed in this verse. He points out that the coming of Christ is a test of the human heart. Those who belong to God rejoice in the light, but those enslaved to sin resist it. Calvin also notes that this verse shatters the notion that people are naturally inclined to seek God. Instead, apart from divine grace, they suppress the truth and cling to their own ways.
For us, this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts. Do we fully embrace the light of Christ, or do we sometimes resist His truth because it convicts us? It also deepens our understanding of why people reject the gospel—not because it is lacking, but because it calls them to repent. This should stir us to pray for God’s Spirit to open hearts and to be patient with those struggling to leave the darkness behind.
Reflection Questions:
- Why do you think people choose darkness over light, even when the truth is evident?
- Are there areas in your own life where you resist the light of Christ? How can you bring them before Him?
- How can this verse shape the way you share the gospel with others, knowing that rejection is often tied to a love of sin?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the true Light that has come into the world. Yet we confess that our hearts often resist Your truth. Forgive us for the times we have preferred darkness to light. Give us the courage to fully embrace Your presence, allowing Your truth to transform us. Help us to be patient and loving as we share the gospel, understanding that only Your Spirit can turn hearts toward the light. In Your name, Amen.
This devotional is based on insights from John Calvin’s commentary on John 3:19.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 