Reflection on Jn 1:11-12; 2:24-25
Jn 1:11-12: “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
Jesus is true God. He was born in a humble stable in Bethlehem. His own did not receive Him. The priests, the then theologians, did not receive Him. Simple folk, the apostles, received Him. As many as received Him and believed in His name have become children of God. This is an important truth. To become a child of God, one must receive Jesus and believe in His name.
The preceding verses emphasize the Divinity of Christ. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Verse 14 reads: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The Incarnate Word is the second divine Person, Jesus Christ. He is true God and true man. The proof of His Divinity is also given in verse 34: “And John bore witness, saying, ‘I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.’” When John baptized, he said: “There stands One among you whom you do not know.” This is true in spiritual terms as well. Jesus is in us, and we do not know Him. Nathanael, whom Jesus calls to become an apostle, confesses Christ’s Divinity: “You are the Son of God!” (v. 49) Read the first chapter several times and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through particular words.
Jn 2:24-25: “But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.”
Chapter two describes the event in Cana of Galilee. The first miracle of Jesus was preceded by the faith of His Mother who encouraged the servants: “Whatever He says to you, do it.” The servants obeyed. And it continues: “This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory.” Then chapter two describes the event in Jerusalem where Jesus cleansed the temple. He said: “Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Our soul is a living temple. Let us not trade in vain or evil thoughts or exchange and lose our soul for human praise or sinful lusts.
The word of life for us is: “But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men…” Even today Jesus knows all men. He knows you as well. “…and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.” Being God, Jesus searches not only the deep things of God but also the minds and hearts of men. He knows what is in man. We know it just superficially. To search the minds and hearts means to reveal the mystery of original sin in us but at the same time the mystery of God’s grace and love towards us. Knowing the evil in us could drive us into despair. We cannot bear to hear someone speak about our vices. It is so hard for us to admit the truth. Our reaction is anger at this person or self-pity often verging on depression. We can only search what is in us in the true light of God’s love, in the light of Christ crucified and risen. This knowledge of our self should bring us to true humility and great trust in God’s mercy and love. It also helps us feel sympathy for those who are in spiritual darkness. Of course, we cannot tolerate their sin. We have to pray for them and bring them to Jesus. In Him they will have the forgiveness of sins and in Him they will find the Way of victory over sin and the spirit of lies. (Read the second chapter several times too.)
Download: Reflection on Jn 1:11-12; 2:24-25
