Advent Words Day 12: World
"He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." John 1:10-11
Like many of the other words in John's prologue, world is a key word throughout John's gospel. He uses the word 78 times in this book, which is 42% of its usage in the whole New Testament.
In today's passage we see that Jesus was in the world, the world that was created through Him. And yet, that very same world, which He created, did not recognize Him. The Creator was not recognized, not known, by His creation. The Greek word used for "recognize" in this verse is ginosko, it means to know something intimately, to know by personal experience, by relationship.
John goes on to say that He came into the world to his own, but they did not receive Him. The very same people who had received prophecy after prophecy throughout the Old Testament era regarding the coming of the Messiah, didn't even recognize Him when He came. And thus they did not receive Him. Later in the book John gives us a reason for their lack of recognition:
"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." John 3:19-20
Sin blinded them to the knowledge of who Jesus really was. Yet, despite this rejection, the Father's love for the world was so great that He sent His Son into it. And this is the Incarnation we celebrate through Advent and Christmas. See God's great love for the world:
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17
"They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:27
Like many of the other words in John's prologue, world is a key word throughout John's gospel. He uses the word 78 times in this book, which is 42% of its usage in the whole New Testament.
In today's passage we see that Jesus was in the world, the world that was created through Him. And yet, that very same world, which He created, did not recognize Him. The Creator was not recognized, not known, by His creation. The Greek word used for "recognize" in this verse is ginosko, it means to know something intimately, to know by personal experience, by relationship.
John goes on to say that He came into the world to his own, but they did not receive Him. The very same people who had received prophecy after prophecy throughout the Old Testament era regarding the coming of the Messiah, didn't even recognize Him when He came. And thus they did not receive Him. Later in the book John gives us a reason for their lack of recognition:
"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." John 3:19-20
Sin blinded them to the knowledge of who Jesus really was. Yet, despite this rejection, the Father's love for the world was so great that He sent His Son into it. And this is the Incarnation we celebrate through Advent and Christmas. See God's great love for the world:
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17
"They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:27
"I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world." John 12:46-47
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:33
Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world!
Joy to the World, the Lord has come!
Join me in responding creatively to the Advent Words in John's prologue. You can share your creative response on Instagram using #adventwords2019 or join the Words Challenge Facebook Group and share your creative response there.
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