Answer
In John 1:5, the apostle John writes, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” No matter how strong the darkness, it is no match for the light. Darkness cannot overcome it.
John’s reference to light and darkness draws on language from the book of Genesis (cf., Genesis 1:3–5, 14–18, 20–31; 2:7). This suggests that John 1:5 alludes to the first act of creation in making a point about God’s Son. In John’s Gospel light and darkness often have spiritual significance (see John 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46). Hence, light is the result of both the act of creation and the act of salvation. God spoke, “and there was light” piercing the darkness (Genesis 1:3). And when the eternal Word of God was made flesh (John 1:1, 14), the radiance of His light could not be overcome by the darkness of a sinful world.
The light of Christ is the life, truth, and knowledge He brings into our world. In the face of spiritual darkness, His light cuts through hearts and illumines sinners (John 1:9; Hebrews 4:12). The reason that many people do not accept Jesus as Lord and Savior is that they “loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed” (John 3:19–20). If people do not come to the light, it is not because they lack knowledge of the light, but because they love sin and darkness.
Notwithstanding, darkness cannot overcome the light. It has no power over light. John says, “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12–13). The reward for those who embraced the light of God in Christ was that they saw His glory, “the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (verse 14).
John’s use of the word overcome (John 1:5) indicates a triumphant victory of light over darkness. It suggests that light and darkness are not equal counterparts. Darkness exists, but light persists. Darkness looms in the shadows, but light continues to shine through. Even in the darkness of Jesus’ crucifixion, the light was victorious over Satan, sin, and death. Jesus rose again on the third day (John 19:28–30; 20:1–9). He sends His followers “to open [unbelievers’] eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith” (Acts 26:18).
As we reflect on the fact that the darkness has not overcome the light, we take heart. Evil will not win; it cannot. We are strengthened to embrace the radiance of God’s glory and share the gospel with everyone who remains in darkness. We can be confident that many will hear the gospel and turn to God in faith. The Light will win.
