Knowing Jesus (John 1:1-4)
The Word That Was, Is, and Always Will Be
In the beginning, before time itself, there was the Word. This profound statement echoes the opening of Genesis, yet takes us even further back into the depths of eternity. The Word was not created; it simply was. This Word, we come to understand, is none other than Jesus Christ himself.
But who is this Word, and why does it matter to us today?
John, the beloved disciple, paints a vivid picture of Jesus as the eternal Word of God. He presents Jesus as co-eternal with the Father, co-existing with Him, and co-creating alongside Him. This isn't just ancient history or abstract theology – it's a truth that reshapes our understanding of who Jesus is and why He matters so profoundly to our lives.
Jesus: Co-eternal with the Father
"In the beginning was the Word..." These words transport us to a realm beyond time, where Jesus already existed. Unlike everything else in creation that was made, Jesus simply was. This eternal nature of Christ sets Him apart from all creation and firmly establishes His divinity.
Jesus: Co-existing with the Father
The Word was not only eternal but also in perfect fellowship with God. "The Word was with God, and the Word was God." This beautiful paradox reveals the mystery of the Trinity – Jesus is both distinct from the Father and one with Him in essence. It's a relationship of perfect unity and distinct personhood that has existed for all eternity.
As one ancient theologian, Theophylact, beautifully put it: "Just as it is impossible that a mind could ever exist without thought or word, so it is impossible that the Father ever existed without the Son." The Father and Son are as inseparable as the sun and its radiance.
Jesus: Co-creating with the Father
"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." Jesus wasn't just present at creation; He was the active agent of creation. He is not the apex of creation, but its very architect. Everything that exists owes its being to Him.
This truth demolishes any notion that Jesus was somehow a created being or merely a tool used by the Father. He is the source of all life, the intelligent designer behind the cosmos, and the one for whom all things were made.
The Word Became Flesh
The climax of John's introduction comes with the astounding declaration: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." The eternal, divine Word took on human nature and entered our world. This is the miracle of the incarnation – God becoming man without ceasing to be God.
Jesus is not just another prophet or wise teacher. He is:
Not a word from God, but THE Word of God
Not just a bearer of truth, but Truth incarnate
Not merely wise, but Wisdom personified
Not one way among many, but THE Way
Not just a messenger, but the very embodiment of God's message
Life and Light in the Darkness
In Jesus, we find life – not just biological existence, but the fullness of divine life. This life becomes "the light of all mankind," illuminating our path and exposing the darkness around and within us.
When Jesus enters our lives, everything changes. We move:
From ignorance to enlightenment
From deception to truth
From darkness to light
His presence doesn't just convict us of sin; it has the power to evict what doesn't belong in our lives. When we truly encounter Jesus, our hearts are transformed from the inside out.
A Light That Cannot Be Overcome
The good news is that this light of Christ continues to shine, even in the darkest places. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Despite all attempts to extinguish it – even the crucifixion itself – the light of Christ continues to blaze.
This truth offers hope in a world that often seems consumed by darkness. No matter how dire the circumstances, the light of Christ cannot be snuffed out. It continues to shine, offering hope, transformation, and new life to all who would receive it.
The Power of Encountering Jesus
There's a profound difference between hearing about Jesus and truly encountering Him. We can listen to countless sermons on generosity, but when the One who gave His life for us walks into the room, our hearts are changed. We can study techniques for evangelism, but when we meet the Savior who passionately seeks the lost, our own hearts begin to burn with that same passion.
It's in the presence of Jesus that:
Our struggles with lust are consumed by the fire of His love
Our anxieties melt away as the Prince of Peace speaks, "Do not be afraid"
Our understanding of the Father's love deepens as we meet the One who comes from the Father's heart
The Challenge and Invitation
As we reflect on these profound truths about Jesus – His eternal nature, His role in creation, His embodiment of God's Word, and His transforming light – we're faced with a challenge and an invitation.
The challenge is to move beyond surface-level Christianity and truly encounter the living Christ. To allow His light to penetrate every dark corner of our lives, exposing what needs to change and empowering us to become more like Him.
The invitation is to step into the abundant life that Jesus offers. To experience the joy, peace, and purpose that come from knowing the eternal Word who became flesh for us. To let His light shine through us, pushing back the darkness in our world.
In a complex and often confusing world, the simple yet profound truth remains: Jesus is the answer. He is the Word that was, that is, and that always will be. May we never cease to marvel at this mystery and to align our lives with His eternal purpose.
In the beginning, before time itself, there was the Word. This profound statement echoes the opening of Genesis, yet takes us even further back into the depths of eternity. The Word was not created; it simply was. This Word, we come to understand, is none other than Jesus Christ himself.
But who is this Word, and why does it matter to us today?
John, the beloved disciple, paints a vivid picture of Jesus as the eternal Word of God. He presents Jesus as co-eternal with the Father, co-existing with Him, and co-creating alongside Him. This isn't just ancient history or abstract theology – it's a truth that reshapes our understanding of who Jesus is and why He matters so profoundly to our lives.
Jesus: Co-eternal with the Father
"In the beginning was the Word..." These words transport us to a realm beyond time, where Jesus already existed. Unlike everything else in creation that was made, Jesus simply was. This eternal nature of Christ sets Him apart from all creation and firmly establishes His divinity.
Jesus: Co-existing with the Father
The Word was not only eternal but also in perfect fellowship with God. "The Word was with God, and the Word was God." This beautiful paradox reveals the mystery of the Trinity – Jesus is both distinct from the Father and one with Him in essence. It's a relationship of perfect unity and distinct personhood that has existed for all eternity.
As one ancient theologian, Theophylact, beautifully put it: "Just as it is impossible that a mind could ever exist without thought or word, so it is impossible that the Father ever existed without the Son." The Father and Son are as inseparable as the sun and its radiance.
Jesus: Co-creating with the Father
"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." Jesus wasn't just present at creation; He was the active agent of creation. He is not the apex of creation, but its very architect. Everything that exists owes its being to Him.
This truth demolishes any notion that Jesus was somehow a created being or merely a tool used by the Father. He is the source of all life, the intelligent designer behind the cosmos, and the one for whom all things were made.
The Word Became Flesh
The climax of John's introduction comes with the astounding declaration: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." The eternal, divine Word took on human nature and entered our world. This is the miracle of the incarnation – God becoming man without ceasing to be God.
Jesus is not just another prophet or wise teacher. He is:
Not a word from God, but THE Word of God
Not just a bearer of truth, but Truth incarnate
Not merely wise, but Wisdom personified
Not one way among many, but THE Way
Not just a messenger, but the very embodiment of God's message
Life and Light in the Darkness
In Jesus, we find life – not just biological existence, but the fullness of divine life. This life becomes "the light of all mankind," illuminating our path and exposing the darkness around and within us.
When Jesus enters our lives, everything changes. We move:
From ignorance to enlightenment
From deception to truth
From darkness to light
His presence doesn't just convict us of sin; it has the power to evict what doesn't belong in our lives. When we truly encounter Jesus, our hearts are transformed from the inside out.
A Light That Cannot Be Overcome
The good news is that this light of Christ continues to shine, even in the darkest places. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Despite all attempts to extinguish it – even the crucifixion itself – the light of Christ continues to blaze.
This truth offers hope in a world that often seems consumed by darkness. No matter how dire the circumstances, the light of Christ cannot be snuffed out. It continues to shine, offering hope, transformation, and new life to all who would receive it.
The Power of Encountering Jesus
There's a profound difference between hearing about Jesus and truly encountering Him. We can listen to countless sermons on generosity, but when the One who gave His life for us walks into the room, our hearts are changed. We can study techniques for evangelism, but when we meet the Savior who passionately seeks the lost, our own hearts begin to burn with that same passion.
It's in the presence of Jesus that:
Our struggles with lust are consumed by the fire of His love
Our anxieties melt away as the Prince of Peace speaks, "Do not be afraid"
Our understanding of the Father's love deepens as we meet the One who comes from the Father's heart
The Challenge and Invitation
As we reflect on these profound truths about Jesus – His eternal nature, His role in creation, His embodiment of God's Word, and His transforming light – we're faced with a challenge and an invitation.
The challenge is to move beyond surface-level Christianity and truly encounter the living Christ. To allow His light to penetrate every dark corner of our lives, exposing what needs to change and empowering us to become more like Him.
The invitation is to step into the abundant life that Jesus offers. To experience the joy, peace, and purpose that come from knowing the eternal Word who became flesh for us. To let His light shine through us, pushing back the darkness in our world.
In a complex and often confusing world, the simple yet profound truth remains: Jesus is the answer. He is the Word that was, that is, and that always will be. May we never cease to marvel at this mystery and to align our lives with His eternal purpose.
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