Reading: John 1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:1-3). And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth(John 1:14).
Over the last four weeks, we have studied the earthly life and ministry of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke have brought to us the miraculous nature of His conception, the simplistic holiness of His birth, the righteousness of His ministry, the horror of His crucifixion, and the triumphant majesty of His resurrection and ascension. In their pages, we have been left with no doubt as to the holy nature of Jesus and His identity as the Son of God. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16; see also Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20). As we begin the Gospel of John, we are asked to hold fast to all that we already know while simultaneously opening our hearts and minds to an even deeper and more complete identification. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. More than the promised Savior (Messiah), more than the Son of the living God, Jesus was God.
God is the creator of all things (Gen. 1:1; Is. 44:24; John 1:3; Col. 1:16). He exists in three parts, For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one (I John 5:7), each of which has been present in the totality of God since the beginning (John 1:1). Jesus is the Word, which was made flesh, and dwelt among us. As God incarnate, the Word was born, lived, and died a fully human, mortal being, but at no point during that process was it diminished in any way. Jesus Christ was at once human and divine, and His presence here on earth had been ordained by God the Father since before the creation of mankind.
When discussing the life and earthly ministry of Jesus, it is not uncommon for us to assign His different actions and emotions to one ‘side’ or the other, almost as if we were discussing someone with a split personality. The truth is, there was never a moment of His life here on earth that Jesus was not simultaneously 100% God and 100% man. As we read the Gospel of John, let us endeavor to see and apply ALL aspects of Jesus Christ to every situation—God and man in one, united and indivisible. Let us rejoice in His coming and avail ourselves of His teachings. Most of all, let us appreciate the full scope of His sacrifice and acknowledge Him as our Savior and King, accepting once and for all time His gift of mercy and grace.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this(Is. 9:6-7).
Thought for Today: It is impossible to separate Jesus into ‘man’ and ‘God’; those who claim to approve of Jesus’ teachings while simultaneously denying God have no comprehension of His true message.
Cross Reference: For John 1:23: See Is. 40:3; Mal. 3:1. John 2:17: See Ps. 69:9.
Word Studies:1:5 the darkness comprehended it not = did not appropriate it; the unbelieving world cannot see its need for a Savior; 1:39 tenth hour = 4 p.m. by Jewish time, two hours before evening.
Pray for StaffJennifer Palafox, Bible Pathway President • Government Officials: Rep. Darrell Issa (CA), Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (FL), Rep. Ryan Zinki (MT)• Country: Georgia (4,935,880) Southwestern Asia • Major Language: Georgian • Religious opposition to Christianity • 83.9% Georgian Orthodox; 9.9% Muslim; 3.9% Armenian-Gregorian; 0.8% Catholic (Greek); 0.8% Other; 0.7% None • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding of the Word of God so you can share it with others (Ps. 119:27).