He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 1:10
Explain
The term world is used in several ways in John and the Bible.
The term “the world” can speak of creation itself. How amazing is the idea that the One who made the World became like those He created, in the place He created. He designed mankind. He made the idea of reproduction and human development, and then He entered into that process of human development as a baby. He created the idea of thirst and drinking. He created the idea of hunger and eating. He came up with the idea of instinct and drives, and he came and became subject to those same ideas.
The term world can also speak of the world system. Satan is called the “prince of this world”. The idea is that of what John calls “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” It is speaking of the things that Satan uses and emphasizes through unregenerate people to keep them blinded in their sin.
The term world can also speak of people. I believe that this verse speaking of people that were among what He created. He was among the people that He created, and they did not recognize Him as Creator. This is an incredible reality that He came from eternity where no one doubts His identity, and everyone treats Him with the Honor and Worship, to come to earth where people did not know or recognize HIm for who He is.
Think about it- He was an unknown Creator coming to be Savior.
Apply
There are still many who do not know Him. Many know Him merely as a cuss word. To many He is merely a thought leader in the west. There are many who have never heard the name of Jesus. May we never keep him to ourselves. I should speak of Him as a good steward of the manifold grace of God.
Respond
- How can you help get the name and message of Jesus out to the world?
- How can you help get the name and message of Jesus into your neighborhood?