Today begins 40 days of reading through the Gospel of John. Today's reading is John 1:1-28. Each reading will be accompanied by a brief devotional piece.
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He is called "Word" (Jn. 1:1, 14), "Light" (Jn. 1:4-5, 7-9) and "the only begotten from the Father" (Jn. 1:14). Finally, John tells us in verse 17 exactly Who holds these titles. None other than Jesus Christ. Let's deal with the first 5 verses in chapter 1.
Jesus is the Communicator (Jn. 1:1-2). He is the "Word," the communication of an idea from one person's mind to another person's understanding. Jesus is God's communication, God's special revelation of Himself, to man's understanding. What can be said of the "Word"? He is eternal, that is, He had no beginning and will have no end. He is equal to God (cf. Jn. 10:30; Phil. 1:6).
Jesus is the Creator (Jn. 1:3-4). He is the Creator of everything (Jn. 1:3a). He is the Source of life (Jn. 1:4a; 11:25; 14:6) – all kinds of life (physical, spiritual, abundant and eternal). He is the Source of light (Jn. 1:4b). He Himself is Light (Jn. 8:12) and He called His followers "light" (Mt. 5:14-16).
Jesus is the Conqueror (Jn. 1:5). The word "comprehend" means "to overtake, to take down." This is a wrestling term. Darkness couldn't pin Jesus to the mat, but He pinned and pummeled the darkness. He did this at His temptation, at His crucifixion and at His resurrection.
Jesus is God up there come down here. He is not a mere option on the menu. For believers, Jesus is the menu. No Jesus, no special revelation from God. No Jesus, no eternal life. No Jesus, no light. No Jesus, no pleasing God.
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