6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (John 1:6-9 KJV)
John’s Witness: The True Light
The evangelist seeks to introduce John the Baptist as a credible witness to Jesus Christ. Before doing so, he gives us some background. His name was John, meaning “gracious.” Though his manner of life was strict, he was full of grace.
We are told that he was a man sent from God. The evangelist had just said that Jesus Christ was with God and was God, but John was simply a man—God’s messenger (Malachi 3:1). He was sent by God with a divine mission and message. Though John performed no miracles and had no recorded visions, the purity of his life and the reforming nature of his message clearly showed he was sent by God.
His role is given in John 1:7: he came as a witness. Legal institutions had long served as God’s testimony among the Jews, but now testimony concerning the Messiah would come through John. Among the Gentiles, God had not left himself without witness (Acts 14:17), but the Redeemer had no testimony until John came.
The heart of John’s testimony was to bear witness to the light. Light carries its own evidence, but for those who close their eyes, testimony is needed. Christ’s light needs no confirmation, but the world’s darkness does. John was like a watchman announcing the approach of the morning to those asleep. He was sent to tell the world that the long-promised Messiah had come, a light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of Israel, bringing life and immortality to light.
The aim of John’s testimony was that all might believe through him—not in him, but in Christ. He urged people to look beyond him to Christ, through repentance to faith. He awakened hearts to see their sin so they could receive the light revealed in Christ. Those who accepted this human witness would soon see the greater witness of God (1 John 5:9; John 10:41). The goal was that all might believe, though many rejected God’s counsel and grace.
John was not the light but came to bear witness to it (John 1:8). He was like a star guiding others to the Sun, a morning star—not the Bridegroom, but his friend; not the Prince, but his forerunner. Some rested in John’s baptism and missed Christ (Acts 19:3), so the evangelist clarifies that John, though honorable, must give way to Christ. Ministers must be honored but not exalted beyond their calling.
They are not masters of our faith but messengers of God. We must not give blind allegiance to them but heed their message as pointing to Christ. John never claimed to be the light, which confirmed him as a faithful witness. Those who try to claim Christ’s honor lose the right to be his servants. Yet, John served well as a witness, even though his light was borrowed.
Before continuing John’s testimony, the evangelist gives a deeper view of Jesus, highlighting the grace of his incarnation and his role as Mediator.
Christ was the true light (John 1:9)—not that John was false, but Christ was the original, the greater light. Others may be called “lights,” but Christ is the source of all knowledge and comfort. We don’t see his glory only in heaven but in the rays shining here in this dark world. Christ enlightens every person in three ways.
First, by his creative power, he gives the light of reason. Human life, intelligence, and beauty all come from Christ.
Second, by spreading his gospel to all nations, he brings light to every people. John’s ministry reached only a small region, but Christ is the light to the Gentiles, and his gospel is to be preached to all nations (Revelation 14:6; Psalm 19:6; Romans 10:18; Matthew 5:15).
Third, by the work of his Spirit, he enlightens those who are saved. Those not enlightened by him remain in darkness. The light of the knowledge of God’s glory is seen in Christ’s face, just as light was commanded to shine out of darkness in creation.