John 1 1:1-9
¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ⁶ There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
Genesis 1:1-3
¹ In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² 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.
³ And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Thoughts
- The Word is the Eternal Creator (1-3): Christ Jesus is the uncreated, pre-existent Word of God who was there at the creation. He is God. The Word: to Greeks (logos) is the deep order of the cosmos and to Jews (dabar) is the marvelous Wisdom of Proverbs 8. ²⁷ I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep… ³⁵ For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. John invites all people to Christ. God didn’t wind up the clock and walk away: He is both Creator and Sustainer Col 1:16-17 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. The Trinity: God is a community of Persons, always existing, in perfect love. God created us from an overflow of His love, so that we might share in His joy. Christ offers flourishing and fulfillment.
- Life and Light Are Gifts from God (4-5): Life (zoe) is all-encompassing: far richer than just bios (physical life) or psyche (psychological life), zoe is absolute fullness of life—vital, active and creative. Zoe is entering into the life of the Trinity. Ps 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Heb 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Light is unique: it reveals—but never takes on—the qualities of whatever it touches. When we experience personal darkness, we need to let the Light that can never be overcome shine into those dark places. 2 Cor 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.
- John’s Humble Witness (6-8): John is the herald who announces Christ, but who seeks no glory for himself Isa 40:3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. In our social media world of self-promotion, when we remind ourselves that it’s all about what He has done, we then experience the freedom of self-forgetfulness*.
- The Universal Light of Christ (9): The Good News of what Christ has done is for all peoples in every generation. Malachi 1:11 ¹My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD Almighty.*
Reflections
- The Word who gave light to the stars now shines is your darkness. Does that fill you with wonder? Where is there chaos in your life? Let Christ’s light reveal it and restore it. How can you live as a witness to the Good News that overcomes all darkness?
