Commentary - John 1:10 - 13

John 1:10 - 13
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came to his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John seems to have believed that there was something about Jesus’ personality and his style and that should have made it obvious to everyone that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. This presumption says a lot about John’s spiritual optimism, but it was not to be. John recognized Jesus as did Andrew, James and Peter, probably with John’s help, but most people did not.

In verses 11 & 12, John tries to make it clear that the Full Gospel of Jesus, the new birth, the abundant life is available to all people. He first addresses those who did not recognize Jesus and then the Jews who ignored him and finally by implication the gentiles and all people everywhere. Obviously, there are some people who couldn’t care less and others who are just mean, but most people are just ordinary folks who need a savior, and anyone who has the slightest interest in the things that are holy; anyone who believes in God even in a casual or legalistic manner has the opportunity to experience the “new birth” and become one of Jesus’ special people; one of the “chosen” whom John called “sons of God.” They are not there yet, and most, because of the nature of things, will never get there and never know the experience of an intimate relationship with God, which of course is a tragedy, but John makes it plan, they have the opportunity. Regardless of race, creed or economic status or any other possible deterrent, all interested people have the opportunity to become son’s of God, although it must be noted that people caught up in restrictive creeds and dogma, either because of birth, geographical location or personal commitment have a more difficult road. Communication with God is not easy under any circumstance.

John also makes the point in v.13 that human beings can not make it happen. The “new birth” is an act of God. Human beings can prepare themselves in various ways as they think best, but the decision as to who gets in and when and under what circumstances is Gods and Gods alone. John specifically spells it out. Not of blood (The Kingdom can not be entered through intimidation, violence or the threat of violence.) Nor of the will of the flesh (The new birth will not happen because of lust, sex or natural reproductive methods) Nor of the will of man (People cannot buy their way in or utilize some religious hoop or ritual). Jesus chose his twelve disciples and Jesus chooses, for reasons known only to himself, those who will be on his team and part of his family.