Gospel of John 1:4,5

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

In Jesus Christ is life.  It is not the life of this world. It is not the life that man is born with. The life of man is tainted. The life of man is cut off from God. It is in rebellion against God and will have nothing to do with Him. Man is an enemy of God (Rom 5:10) and will never seek Him out (Rom 3:11). He is bent on creating an image of God he can live with (false religions) or dismissing Him entirely (evolution). Man enjoys the blessings of creation but refuses to acknowledge a Creator. Advances in science have revealed astonishing complexities. The smallest cell is now visible through the microscope. Powerful telescopes continuously expand our knowledge of a vast universe. Both confirm the obvious. Creation points to a Creator. But man refuses to see Him.  Millions and millions of unique complex systems (e.g. the eye, the ear, blood... ) all working in perfect unison (a body) and how does man explain this wonder? It just happened by chance over billions of years from absolutely nothing. This is blindness. This is darkness.

But Christ came that man might have a new life, His life. It is a life that is received when one turns to Christ, trusting in Him (John 20:31) and when this life comes there is light! One born into Christ’s family can see! God is clearly the Great Designer, Christ is the Savior and the Bible is His revelation. His children grow spiritually as they read His Word. His ways become clear. Who He truly is becomes a passion. Light overcomes darkness. Understanding replaces blindness. Certainty replaces confusion. Christ gives life and in His life there is light. 

Gospel of John 1:2

“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” 
(Gospel of John 1:2)

The Gospel of John emphasizes the deity of Christ. He is the creator of all things and His creation reflects His glory. It displays the wonder of His infinite genius and power. His majesty is everywhere to be seen.

Just look around you....every tree has a unique design.  Every fruit has its own flavor. Every sunset is different. The simplest flower is a wonder of detail and pattern and there is color everywhere. Birds give us the most beautiful music and effortlessly climb to heights in the sky. There are so many many different creatures. Each is special in its own way and can even form bonds and have feelings! There was a time when great dinosaurs roamed our world and then of course there is the wonder of man! A being created in the in the very image of God with the ability to think, to love, to communicate. Every organ in our body has a unique and immensely complex function. The eye to see, the ear to hear, the nose to smell and all work together in a perfect unity.

 We feel guilt at a wrong. We feel a sense of accomplishment at a job well done. We can hold our children in our arms and feel love in our hearts. Is it any wonder the

Psalmist would write that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13)?  Everything in our world points to an omnipotent God. All creation declares the majesty and wonder of Christ.

We have received so much. We have so much to be grateful for. Surely a God who puts so much good in our lives ought to be appreciated? Should we not acknowledge Him and thank Him?  Why not now?

Gospel of John 1:1,2

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (Gospel of John 1:1,2)

In the opening verse of the gospel, Jesus is called the “Word of God.” This “Word of God” was not only with God but also “was God.” The emphasis here is on the essence of God. John is basically pointing out that what God was, the Word was. Jesus is of the same essence as the Father. Both are deity. Jesus is not “a god” (someone created by God), He is God from eternity and was with God at the beginning (creation).

The Gospel of John has numerous pictures to help us grasp who Jesus really is and what He came to this world to do. For instance, Jesus is called the door, the lamb of God, the vine, the light of the world, the good shepherd.

Likewise, John uses “Word” to convey something of Jesus’ ministry. That this is the first illustration suggests its meaning is important. So what’s intended by “Word”?

“Word” communicates something. When we talk to one another we use words to communicate. It’s how we pass along information. It’s how we share our ideas, our plans, our feelings and so on. “Words” are at the very heart of our relationships. In fact, it’s impossible to have a relationship without words! A breakdown in communication signals a breakdown in a relationship. When someone gives the “silent treatment,” they are basically saying they do not want a relationship!

Jesus is sent from the Father (1 John 4:14) as the “Word of God.” It is He who is seeking to have a relationship with you. It is in His heart that you be with Him. He has words that you need to hear! Words to begin a lasting relationship, an eternal one!