John 3:19 says, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” This verse comes in the midst of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who came to Jesus at night with questions. In this discourse, Jesus speaks about being born again, eternal life, and God’s love in sending His Son into the world. John 3:19 explains why some reject Jesus – because their deeds are evil and they love darkness rather than light.
This verse teaches us several things:
- There is a clear divide between light and darkness. Light represents God, truth, and righteousness. Darkness represents sin, lies, and wickedness.
- Jesus is the light who came into the world (John 8:12). His purpose was to shine in the darkness and expose evil (John 1:4-5).
- People are condemned because they reject the light. They prefer the darkness where their sin can remain hidden and unchecked.
- Wicked deeds flourish in darkness but are exposed by the light (John 3:20-21). Many avoid Jesus because they don’t want their sins revealed.
- Those who practice evil hate the light and avoid it. They don’t want their sinful deeds exposed or to face the truth about their condition.
- People must respond when confronted with the light. They either admit their sin and turn to Christ or cling to the darkness.
In summary, John 3:19 teaches that the natural state of humankind is darkness. We suppress truth and avoid facing the reality of our sin, because we prefer to continue in our wicked ways unhindered. But Jesus came as the light of the world to expose our darkness and provide the way to salvation. Those who insist on loving darkness will face judgment, while those who come to Christ and walk in His light will know freedom and redemption.
1. The background context of John 3:19
John 3:19 comes in the midst of a nighttime conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council (John 3:1). Nicodemus came to Jesus with sincere questions, but he came secretly at night, likely because he feared repercussions from the other Pharisees if he was seen consorting with Jesus.
In John 3:1-15, Jesus and Nicodemus discuss being “born again” and Jesus’ mission to provide eternal life. Jesus emphasizes the need for a spiritual rebirth, not just an outward, physical change. He then explains (v.14-15) that He as the Son of Man will be “lifted up” on the cross so that those who believe can have eternal life.
John 3:16-18 then follow with some of the most famous verses about God’s love in sending Jesus to save the world. The issue becomes how people will respond to the light that has come into the world through Christ.
John 3:19 comes right after these verses on God’s love and introduces a contrast – even though the light has come, people reject it because their deeds are evil. The verses that follow (3:20-21) further explain this contrast between those who receive God’s light and those who turn away.
So John 3:19 occurs in the context of Jesus explaining the divide between light and darkness, truth and sin, salvation and condemnation. He discusses the human tendency to shrink away from the light because of wickedness, in contrast to the gracious offer of redemption through Christ.
2. People’s preference for darkness
The main truth John 3:19 communicates is that people deliberately reject the light (Jesus) because they love darkness. This indicates a preference, an act of the human will. People make a choice to continue in their sin rather than come to the light of Christ. There are several reasons people may prefer the darkness:
- They love their sin. Darkness hides what they do not want to give up. The darkness allows them to continue in wickedness with less restraint.
- They fear exposure. The light would reveal the evil motives and acts they want to keep secret.
- They do not want to acknowledge their sin. Turning to the light means facing the reality of their guilt and need before God.
- They are spiritually blind. Sin has a hardening effect that keeps people from recognizing the darkness (John 12:35, 40).
- They are under spiritual oppression. Satan actively works to blind people to the truth of the gospel (2 Cor. 4:4).
The natural inclination of humanity is to run from God’s penetrating light. People know that coming to the light will require them to face their wickedness and be transformed. So they shrink back into the complacency and concealment of darkness.
3. The work of God’s light
So what is this “light” that Christ brings? John 3:19 speaks of the light having “come into the world.” Other Scriptures help us understand the work of this light:
- It reveals sin and exposes evil deeds (Eph. 5:13). It shows people the truth about their condition.
- It displays God’s righteousness, which highlights people’s sinfulness (Rom. 3:20-23).
- It ushers people to repentance (2 Cor. 4:6). It moves them to turn from darkness.
- It dispels falsehood and proclaims truth (1 John 1:5). It cuts through lies with the sword of God’s Word.
- It draws people to believe in Christ as Savior (John 12:46). It brings salvation through the gospel.
The light does the work of awakening people to their need for salvation. It removes excuses and breaks down resistance. It overcomes deception and blindness. For those who receive it, the light grants freedom from sin and spiritual death.
4. The response to God’s light
John 3:19 describes those who turn away from the light. But Scripture also describes those who receive the light with joy and belief (John 1:12). When confronted with the light of Christ, people respond in one of two ways:
- Hating and avoiding the light. They shrink back into the darkness, unwilling to give up their sin.
- Coming to the light. They willing expose their deeds and turn to Christ in repentance and faith (John 3:21).
Those who come to the light experience cleansing, forgiveness, and renewal. But those who continue in darkness will face judgment (John 3:18-21). The light compels a response – it forces people to engage. They must either admit their sin and need for Christ or suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18). There is no middle ground when confronted with the gospel light.
5. The reason for rejecting the light
John 3:19 specifically says people reject the light “because their works were evil.” The immoral, wicked deeds of mankind keep people from coming to God’s light. Why does this happen?
- Sinful habits have control. Repeated sin forms strongholds that enslave (John 8:34). People are held captive to darkness.
- Pride prevents admission of guilt. People refuse to admit they are wrong. The light demands humility.
- Love of sin is strong. People enjoy their wickedness and are unwilling to give it up (John 3:20).
- Satanic blindness is at work. The devil actively keeps people deceived about sin (2 Cor. 4:4).
At the root, people love spiritual darkness because their hearts and minds are corrupted by sin. They need spiritual renewal and rebirth to gain a love for the light.
6. The example of Nicodemus
The passage in John 3 shows us someone who was confronted with the light of Christ but still struggling with the darkness. Nicodemus came to Jesus hesitantly, under the cloak of night. While he appeared open to Christ’s message, he could not yet embrace the light fully.
Jesus confronted Nicodemus about the need for spiritual rebirth. Throughout their conversation, Nicodemus wrestled with the light as he sought to understand the things of God through his limited human perspective. Though slow to understand Christ’s words, Nicodemus did continue to seek and grapple with the truth.
We see Nicodemus later defending Jesus before the Pharisees (John 7:50-52) and bringing spices to honor Christ after the crucifixion (John 19:39). He made small steps toward the light that eventually led to bold profession of his faith.
Nicodemus illustrates the struggle many experience when confronted with the light of Christ. Salvation may come slowly, involving a process of repeated exposures to God’s truth. But as we respond rightly, the Spirit will lead us into the light.
7. Other biblical passages about light and darkness
The contrast between light and darkness is a common biblical theme. Here are some other passages that relate to the themes in John 3:19:
- Job 24:13-17 – Evil people rebel against the light and prefer darkness to do their works.
- Psalm 18:28 – God turns darkness into light through His Word.
- Isaiah 5:20 – Woe to those who substitute darkness for light.
- John 1:4-5 – The light of Christ shines in the darkness but is not overcome.
- Ephesians 5:8-14 – Believers are called children of light, so they should walk in the light.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:5 – Believers are sons of light and sons of the day, not darkness.
- 1 John 1:5-7 – If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship and cleansing from sin.
These and many other verses reveal the themes of sin thriving in darkness but being exposed and defeated by God’s piercing light. Those who love their sin hide from the light, while the righteous long for more of God’s light to lead them in truth.
8. The light has come: Jesus Christ
John 3:19 refers to the light that “has come into the world.” This points clearly to Jesus Christ’s arrival as the light of salvation. Other Scriptures connect Christ with light:
- The prophet Isaiah foretold the Messiah would be “light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6).
- Simeon called Jesus “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32).
- John 1:9 says Jesus coming into the world “gives light to everyone.”
- Jesus called Himself “the light of the world” (John 8:12).
- Jesus came to bring people out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
These verses help us understand Jesus is the embodiment of the divine light entering a dark world. John 3:19 emphasizes that when the long-promised light arrived, people rejected Him because their deeds were evil.
9. The ongoing choice between light and darkness
While John 3:19 refers historically to Jesus coming into the world, the verse also expresses an ongoing human dilemma. Throughout history and still today, people face a choice between receiving Christ’s light or clinging to the darkness.
The light of Christ continues to expose sin and reveal truth through the working of the Holy Spirit and the testimony of God’s Word. All people must decide how they will respond when confronted with the gospel.
Sadly, many still reject the light. But some open their hearts, renounce the fruitless works of darkness, and joyfully embrace the life Christ offers. The choice between light and darkness continues today. By God’s grace, may we walk in the light of Christ.
10. How to walk in the light of Christ
John 3:19 explains why people reject the light, but how can believers cultivate a love for the light and walk in it daily? Here are some practical suggestions:
- Study God’s Word to fill your mind with truth.
- Allow Scripture to expose any areas of darkness in your heart or life.
- Confess any known sins quickly and turn from them.
- Pursue open, honest fellowship with other believers.
- Do not hide any part of your life from godly counsel and accountability.
- Test all teaching and approaches by whether they align with Scripture.
- Seek the Holy Spirit’s conviction about any ungodly attitudes or behaviors.
- Remove influences that promote darkness and deception.
- Pray for God to search your heart and reveal any hidden sins (Psalm 139:23-24).
As we cooperate with the light of Christ, through the Spirit’s empowering, we will walk in greater fellowship, freedom and usefulness for God’s kingdom.