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“Go On Walking as Children of Light”The Watchtower—1976 | May 15
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He shows that it is our own attitude and response that is the determining factor in benefiting from the light, rather than our background or past experience or natural temperament. In fact, we might have a most favorable background and yet not accept the light, as John pointed out. Showing first that the light was to be available to all, without discrimination, he said: “The true light that gives light to every sort of man was about to come into the world.” After saying that the world of mankind in general “did not know him,” or recognize Jesus for what he was, John then continued: “He [Jesus] came to his own home, but his own people did not take him in.
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“Go On Walking as Children of Light”The Watchtower—1976 | May 15
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3. (a) What responsibility rested on that generation of Jews? (b) How were those blessed who received Jesus, and on what basis?
3 What a masterly summary of the situation! Why, of course, that generation of Jews had the best background, and their past experience gave them the best reasons for accepting Jesus as their heaven-sent Messiah, the One to whom the Law pointed. (Rom. 10:4) By his human birth Jesus was one of them, born in their own home so to speak, yet he was rejected by the majority of them. The bad attitude of the majority was further shown up in contrast with the good attitude of those who did receive him, appreciating that “he was full of undeserved kindness and truth.”
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“Go On Walking as Children of Light”The Watchtower—1976 | May 15
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He that deliberately “practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, in order that his works may not be reproved,” as Jesus explained. That is the reason why “his own people did not take him in.” They, and especially their leaders, acting as “blind guides,” did not want to be exposed or disturbed in their preference for tradition and hypocrisy. A similar situation obtains today, especially in Christendom.—John 1:11; 3:19-21; Matt. 15:7-9; 23:16-26.
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