John 1:1-14 (NASB)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.
There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John’s gospel seems to be the most “quotable” of the four gospels - lots of propositional truths laid forth. Straight-up doctrine. John and Jesus explain it all. That’s why I once memorized these verses plus the next few as well. But I also think that John is a bit trickier to understand than the other gospels. I really have to put my thinking cap on to get what he’s saying.
Jesus is Word. Jesus is Creator. Jesus is Life. Jesus is Light. Jesus is God. Jesus is Flesh. Jesus is Glory. Jesus is Only-Begotten. Jesus is Grace. Jesus is Truth.
How can one person who lived for 33 years in a specific time and place be all these things? I think this is the mystery to which John is trying to draw our attention. This is the background through which his entire account should be seen.
For the believer, this ought to draw us into worship. Awe. Reverence. Spending time telling Jesus how amazing He is. Not because He needs to hear it, but because I do. I need a reminder that I’m not all that. Like daily. Like hourly. Like minutely. If I am practicing to redirect my thoughts towards Him moment by moment, I will be changed, and I will be living a more real life than I can ever imagine.
I should not worry about getting everything done today. I should instead ponder Christ’s omnipotence. I should not criticize my family member. I should instead think about Christ’s tender love for each hurting person he met. I should not think about how to get ahead for myself. I should instead think of Christ’s example in serving and putting himself last for the sake of others. Then the glorious riches of Christ will open before me, and I will be an heir with Him. Think of that!!
