*John 1:1-18
The Gospel of John opens by introducing Jesus as the eternal Word who created all things, is the source of life and light, and though rejected by the world, is revealed through John the Baptist.
- The Word (Logos):
- The passage begins by introducing the concept of the Word (Logos), describing it as existing in the beginning with God and being God Himself.
- The Word is portrayed as the agent of creation, through whom all things were made, and as the source of life and light for humanity.
- The Word Incarnate:
- It is revealed that the Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity as Jesus Christ.
- Jesus is depicted as the embodiment of grace and truth, surpassing the law given through Moses.
- The Light of the World:
- The passage contrasts the darkness of the world with the light brought by the Word, emphasizing that the light shines in the darkness and cannot be overcome by it.
- John the Baptist’s Testimony:
- John the Baptist is introduced as a witness who came to testify about the Light (the Word) that was coming into the world.
- He clarifies that he is not the Light but was sent to prepare the way for it.
- Reception and Rejection of the Word:
- The passage acknowledges that while the Word came to his own people, they did not recognize him or receive him.
- Yet, to those who did receive him, he gave the power to become children of God.
- Incarnation and Grace:
- The passage highlights the profound act of the Word becoming flesh, dwelling among humanity, and offering grace upon grace to believers.
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Jesus, the Word, to bring light and life to the world. Through Him, we see Your love and truth in a way we can understand.
Help us to receive Him fully into our lives and to live as Your children. Thank You for the grace You give us every day, and for making Yourself known to us through Jesus.
May we walk in His light and share His love with others.
Amen.
John 1:1-18 (WEB)
1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. 9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him. 12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.14 The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about him. He cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.’ ” 16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only born Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has declared him.