Explanation of John 1:7
Door Brian David
There’s a common pattern in domestic abuse cases, with the abuser professing his love and apologizing, then losing control and lashing out again, then again professing his love and sorrow, and so forth. In such cases its pretty clear that the external truth – a swinging fist – does not match the love that supposedly exists. On the other hand, when someone professes love and acts in ways that are tender and caring, the external truth – the kind actions – tend to confirm that the love is real.
That’s what the Bible means by being a "witness": It represents using what we know, the truth in front of our noses, to judge the nature of love. In this case, the witness is John, who represents the external, literal meaning of the Bible, and the "light" is divine truth brought to the world by Jesus. So John was re-establishing the Word – the laws and prophets of the Old Testament – so that Jesus could show the perfect love and truth that fill it internally. With the two in harmony, those who were willing would be able to know that Jesus was the Lord, an expression of the ultimate, creative, eternal love.
(Referenties: The Apocalypse Explained 27 [2])
Luke 1:30-55
30
The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31
Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name 'Jesus.'
32
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David,
33
and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom."
34
Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?"
35
The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.
36
Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37
For everything spoken by God is possible."
38
Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word." The angel departed from her.
39
Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,
40
and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
41
It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
42
She called out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43
Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44
For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!
45
Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!"
46
Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord.
47
My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,
48
for he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.
49
For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.
50
His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him.
51
He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52
He has put down princes from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly.
53
He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty.
54
He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,
55
As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his seed forever."
