What Jesus Did! 'Witness to the Light and Example to Me' — John 1:8

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.
— John 1:8 NLT

Key Thought

John the Baptizer was an incredible man. He was a prophet, inspired by God's Spirit. He spoke with an authority and authenticity long silent among God's people. He courageously declared the truth to everyone no matter that person's rank and no matter his own personal cost. But ... John was only a witness to God's light - Jesus, God's real Word and only Son. And as important as John was, his importance was as a servant to the light. John freely testified to his function. [1] He knew his role. He refused to be a point of contention. He is a great example to us of what we can and should be to our loved ones and friends - a witness, someone who points others to the truth and light of Jesus.

[1] John 1:15.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for John the Baptizer. Thank you for such a powerful example and such a wonderful person of integrity and humility. Please use me to point those in my circle of influence to the truth about Jesus as I seek to live with integrity and humility before them. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Light for Everyone
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was..."
The Code Breaker
Article by Phil Ware
Can we really break the code? While there is much ado about the Da Vinci code, the real proof of Christianity's vitality and truth to the younger generation will be seen our living of the truth of Jesus.
What about Xmas?
Article by Jerry Whitmire
What are we supposed to do about Christmas? Knowing what to do about the birth of Jesus is quite a dilemma, however, we do need to acknowledge he was born and respond appropriately.
What Is the Light Inside You?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower, I came into the world as the Light of the World. That means I came to bring true light. So much light around you is dim and full of..."
See All 8 Related Resources about John 1:8

Illustration

Illustration of John 1:8 NLT — John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 17:9
"He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'When Life Is Hard'
"Dear Beloved, There are times when life is very hard. Remember when I fed 5,000 people out of five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21)? The people..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Luke 15:18
"It is quite certain that those whom Christ has washed in his precious blood need not make a confession of sin, as culprits or criminals, before God..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God Overcame Their Brutality' (Acts 3:13-15)
"[Peter continued,] "For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the God of all our ancestors — who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!