John 1:10

Letters to the Faithful - John 1:10

Berean Standard Bible

He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him.

King James Bible

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

Greek Text:

ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ ἦν, καὶ ὁ κόσμος δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ ὁ κόσμος αὐτὸν οὐκ ἔγνω.

Transliteration:

En tō kosmō ēn, kai ho kosmos di’ autou egeneto, kai ho kosmos auton ouk egnō.

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He was in the world

This phrase emphasizes the incarnation of Jesus Christ, God becoming flesh and dwelling among humanity. It reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of Immanuel, "God with us." The presence of Jesus in the world signifies God's direct intervention in human history, a pivotal moment that had been anticipated by the Jewish people.

and though the world was made through Him

This highlights the role of Jesus as the divine Logos, the Word through whom all things were created, as stated in John 1:3. It connects to Genesis 1, where God speaks creation into existence, and Colossians 1:16, which affirms that all things were created through and for Christ. This underscores His preexistence and divine authority over creation.

the world did not recognize Him

Despite Jesus' divine nature and the testimony of creation itself, humanity failed to acknowledge Him as the Messiah. This reflects the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart prevalent among people, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:3, which describes the suffering servant as "despised and rejected by men." It also foreshadows the rejection Jesus would face from His own people, as seen throughout the Gospels.

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Grace and peace be with you, beloved ones, as you behold the mystery and wonder of the Eternal Word, who was in the world, who formed the world, yet was unknown by the world He created. The light shines, yet the darkness does not comprehend it; the truth stands, yet the hearts of many remain blind to its presence. The One through whom all things exist, the One by whom all were formed, walked among His creation, yet was met with rejection. How great is this mystery—that He who breathed life into the dust was ignored by those who depend on His very breath. 

Take heed, beloved, that you do not miss what the world failed to recognize. The Word was sent forth, not hidden, not concealed, but revealed in fullness. His presence was not obscure, nor was His voice silent, yet those with hardened hearts did not perceive Him. The same spirit of blindness persists even now—many seek wisdom, yet turn away from Him who is the source of all truth; many desire light, yet walk past Him who illuminates the path of righteousness. 

Yet He has not ceased calling, nor has His mercy withdrawn. Though the world did not know Him, He extends His grace still. Though many rejected Him, He stands ready to receive all who turn their gaze upon Him. His love is steadfast, His faithfulness unshaken. He came not for condemnation but for salvation, not to bring judgment upon the blind but to open their eyes. Those who seek Him shall find Him, and those who receive Him shall be transformed. The world may turn away, but He remains. The nations may falter, but His kingdom endures forever. 

Therefore, be not as those who failed to recognize Him when He walked among them. Do not let familiarity veil the majesty of His presence. Do not let the distractions of this age obscure the brilliance of His truth. He calls, He beckons, He reveals Himself to all who are willing to see. Blessed are those whose hearts are open, for they shall behold His glory. Blessed are those whose spirits are willing, for they shall be filled with His life. 

May you walk with eyes that perceive, with hearts that understand, and with faith that embraces the fullness of His grace. May the light of the Word shine upon you, and may His truth be your foundation forever. To Him be all honor, all glory, and all praise, now and forever. Amen.

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O Most Holy and Eternal One, who has been from the beginning and through whom all things have come into being, we lift our voices to You in awe and in longing. You, who formed the heavens by Your word and breathed life into the dust, walked among Your creation, yet many did not perceive You. The world that was made by Your hands did not recognize its Maker, and the hearts of men turned away from the light that was sent to redeem them. Yet, Your love remains steadfast, and Your mercy calls out even now, inviting all to see, to believe, and to receive the truth of Your presence.

We come before You with humbled hearts, asking that You open our eyes where they have been blind, that You soften our hearts where they have been hardened, that You remove the veil that has kept us from fully knowing You. Let not the distractions of this world cloud our vision, nor the cares of life lead us away from You. You are the source of life, the foundation of all that is good, and the light that no darkness can overcome. Let Your truth illuminate every shadow and awaken within us the understanding that You are here, that You have come, and that Your presence remains.

Forgive us, O Lord, for the times when we have failed to acknowledge You, when we have walked in our own ways, when we have pursued empty promises rather than the fullness found in You. Have mercy upon those who have turned from You, and call them back with Your unfailing love. Let those who are lost be found, and let those who wander be drawn into the embrace of truth. Though the world has rejected You, we choose now to receive You. Though many have closed their hearts, we open ours to Your transforming power.

Pour out Your grace upon Your people, that we may be reflections of Your light in the midst of a world that has struggled to see. Let our lives testify that You are present, that You have come, and that You reign. May those who seek wisdom find it in You, may those who search for peace discover it in Your embrace, and may those who long for purpose be satisfied in Your will. You have not abandoned Your creation; You have come to redeem it. You have not turned away, but You have drawn near.

Let the nations behold Your glory, and let every heart be stirred with the awareness of Your truth. May Your name be exalted, Your presence be acknowledged, and Your love be embraced by all who hear Your call. We surrender ourselves into Your hands, trusting that You, who were not recognized, will now be revealed. Shine forth, O Lord, and may Your light lead us ever closer to You. To You be all honor, all glory, and all praise forever. Amen.