“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
From the very first verse of the gospel of John, we notice something very different from the other gospels. In almost poetic language, the writer, John the apostle, who often refers to himself as “the one whom Jesus loved,” establishes Jesus as God. This truth is emphasized throughout John’s writings and unlike the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke where Jesus speaks in parables, the gospel of John portrays a Jesus who speaks directly about who He is and what He has come to do. The Word made flesh, God incarnate, Savior of all who believe and follow Him.
In verse 1, we are immediately taken back to similar language that is seen in Genesis chapter 1….the beginning.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Genesis 1:1-2)
God, Son, and Spirit. The beginning and the end. Alpha and Omega.
Light and life overcoming darkness. The Word made flesh.
“He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:2-5)
“And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:3-4)
Throughout the gospel of John, the divinity of Jesus is emphasized and His purpose made clear: To bring light to darkness, salvation to a lost and dying world. What a privilege to have this beautiful gospel of love, grace, truth, and salvation at our fingertips.
Reflective Questions:
In the synoptic gospels, John showed signs of maybe being a bit entitled (Matthew 20:20-21) or even temperamental (Luke 9:54). But later in his own writings, he mentions love over 80 times and speaks of selflessness and grace. What do you think led to the changes in John from the time he was with Jesus until he wrote the gospel of John some sixty years later?
Why do you think John often refers to himself as “the one who Jesus loved”? Is this an arrogant statement or a humble one?
What themes in the gospel of John do you feel help convince you and others of the divinity of Christ?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for this beautiful gospel of truth and for confirming in Your Word that Jesus is who He says He is, and can be trusted to give our entire lives to. Thank You for making your Word into flesh, for bringing Light into this dark world, and for giving us hope for this life and the assurance of eternal life in Him. In Jesus name, amen.
Was richly blessed bye this read thank you