Episode 29 - In "light" or in "darkness?"

John 3:19-21

19 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. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

John has just told us that those who have not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God are already condemned to perish. But, those who receive God’s love and receive eternal life are those who believe in His name. In case one might think that this could be arbitrary and perhaps unfair, our text for today makes it clear on what basis are this judgment and condemnation. 

Verse 19 says that 1) the light has come into the world and 2) people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. So, based upon what we’ve already been told in this book, we know that the “light” or rather “true light” that came into the world is the Word which was in the beginning with God and was fully God and that the light and Word is Jesus. Remember, John has already told us that he did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. The point here is that God is not only demonstrating His mercy and compassion to mankind, but He’s also making it painfully obvious. Think of this picture being given. Consider what happens when light is brought into a dark room. The darkness is dispelled and much is illuminated with even a little light. Jesus is the true light that came into the world. 

So, why doesn’t everyone believe in Jesus? Why aren’t people clamoring to find out more about him? John tells us right here; “people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” They don’t want God’s light. If that’s the case, it is not so difficult to understand why there is judgment. God alone is the source of what is good and right.

Notice how verse 21 helps us understand more about others; those who do come to the light. It says, “whoever does what is true (or faithful) comes to the light.” Don’t overlook the fact that some people come to the light. Why is this important? Because this is revealing that they weren’t always in the light if they are coming to the light. They themselves have done evil things and have been in the darkness. 

So why would they come to the light? John tells us, “So that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” There is a two-fold benefit in coming to the light. The first is so that our own evil is exposed by the light and secondly, so that we and others around us recognize that the truly good things we do are actually from God working in us. 

Do you see the amazing freedom there is in that? God sent His only Son into the world to provide us an escape from the judgment for our evil works, but He is also working good within us. There is a concept that should inspire our praise and worship.