John 1:1-18
John’s story of Jesus’ birth is much different than Matthew’s and Luke’s. There are no angels, journey to Bethlehem, Wise Men, shepherds, or images of a manger scene. Mary and Joseph are not even mentioned by name.
John’s goal in writing is to express the divinity of Jesus. He wants new Christians and searching non-Christians to know that Jesus was the divine Son of God who is eternal and yet came to us as a human that experienced all of the same trials, emotions, and physical parts of life (aging, death, etc.) that we do.
As you read John 1:1-18, pay attention to the different names given to Jesus.
The Word, Light of men, the One and Only, Jesus Christ, God the One and Only…
John’s first chapter is filled with metaphors explaining God coming to us in human form. It may take several times of reading to even begin to understand everything he has packed into eighteen short verses. Sometimes it is helpful to read the passage again and replace the names John uses with Jesus.
He begins by explaining that Jesus was in the beginning and He was with God and He was God. He is divine. He is the Creator. He is the Giver of Life. He is Life. He is the Light that shines in darkness.
This next part is great! In verses 10-13 John writes of how Jesus was in the world, He made the world, yet once again, many did not receive Him or recognize Him. BUT those who did receive Him, to those who will receive Him, he will give them the right to become children of God. We must believe Him and recognize Him and receive Him to be His child.
Oh thank you God for giving us the opportunity to receive You and a part of Your family.
Get ready for it…the next verse refers to Jesus’ birth. Yes, one verse in this entire passage, but it is an incredibly beautiful, powerful verse that takes my breath away when I read it.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
He came to us in human form yet holy and divine bringing us grace and truth. This is it…this is what it is all about. He came to bring us grace-His love even when we don’t deserve it. His salvation of those who believe and receive. His unmerited blessings and favor to those who fall short but call upon His name.
Our gracious Jesus came bringing truth of who He is and a beautiful picture of who God is because after all He is God. His life is the most perfect expression of God’s love, mercy, and grace.
Although John does not describe Jesus’ birth in the detailed historical way that Matthew and Luke do, he gives us a moving, unique look at Jesus, Emmanuel-God with Us, The Word, The Light, The One and Only, Son of God who came to us fully divine and fully human to show us a life that is full of amazing, saving grace and truth. He has his arms opened wide extending this grace to all who believe, but we must recognize Him, believe in Him, and receive His gift to us.
‘O Come, Emmanuel
‘O Come and See What He has done!
Shared with love,
Lindsay
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