Hello there! This is the beginning of a series called "Growing in the Word" where we will go step by step enriching our theology and knowledge of God. Today's passage is John 1:1-18.
In the beginning of the passage, we see the emphasis John puts on the glory and power of Jesus written as "The Word" who is and with God. He was fully in the beginning with God, as God, and created all things. Sometimes it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that Jesus is and with God, but you can trust that it is true. It's frankly some fantastic news because that means God himself came to earth humbly as a man to serve and teach, and eventually die for our sins. Knowing and understanding that that man was God himself makes it a big deal! But I get ahead of myself. In verses 4-5, we read that Jesus is the "light of men" and "darkness has not overcome it." The earth is full of darkness and sin. It completely covers us...before Christ. Now, for those who are saved and have repented and but their full life and trust in God's great hands, we no longer are covered by darkness because we are covered by Jesus, "the light of the world...that darkness has not overcome." Isn't that amazing?!
Let's check out Colossians 1:15 - 20 in reference!
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
That is a beautiful passage written by Paul. This is just one of many accounts to the glory of Christ who is Lord our Savior.
In the next set of verses in John 1, John the Baptist introduces himself (he is the author of this book) as the one who paves the way for Christ, but is not Christ. In Matthew 17:10 - 13, we can reflect when the disciples asked why the scribes said Elijah has already come, and Jesus explains that who they are unknowingly referencing is John the Baptist who came to pave the way for Christ.
One thing that is quite amazing to sit back and think about is the fact that Jesus came here. Of all beautiful and wonderful places that He has probably created in Heaven, and amongst the stars and galaxies, he came here. A world full of sin and darkness, to a people who would crucify him, simply to save his chosen. He calls us to glorify him, and after hearing this news, why wouldn't we? Are we that special to God? YES! In verses 9-18, the light of the world came to teach and give the right of His righteous inheritance to those who believe and repent. He is full of Grace and Truth, which causes no question that His motive is true. The face of the earth has had God walk on it with feet that are like ours. The sun that shines in the morning and wakes us also woke God himself on this earth. Let's praise Him forever for that wonderful redemptive plan!
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