John 1:6–13

Read the passage.

Even though we are reading the Gospel according to John, and the first name we read in it is John, these are not the same man. The author is John, brother of James, sons of Zebedee, who were called to be disciples of Jesus. The evidence for this—ironically—is that he is very careful not to call himself by name, even when it would be natural to do so. Instead he refers to himself indirectly as “the disciple Jesus loved” or something else. This was common practice for biographical works in the first century, and accounts from the second century who knew John consistently ascribe his authorship to this work.

The John mentioned in verse 6 is John the Baptist, whose origin story is told in Luke 1. He was appointed by God to prepare the way for the Messiah among the people of Israel. Though “the light”, the Word, had entered the world He created, His own chosen people did not know who He was. Even though John preached about His coming, most did not accept the message or the Person. Most, but not all. Though who did receive Him were given “the right to become children of God”. (v. 12) To keep anyone from boasting about this gift, John goes on to explain that this inheritance isn’t because of who you are related to (“not of blood”), nor what your body can do (“nor of the will of the flesh”), nor even what you or anyone else has decided (“nor of the will of man”). (v. 13) Instead, it is all because of the will of God. He alone has decided who are His children, and none may gainsay Him. None of us deserve it for any reason, except by His sovereign choice to make it so.

You bestow the greatest honor that can be given to us pitiful, wretched creatures. Make us worthy of it.