John 1:1-5 CSB
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of men. [5] That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.
John 17:5 CSB
Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with that glory I had with you before the world existed.
Light of the World
In the books of the Bible attributed to the Apostle John, he begins by telling the world exactly who Jesus is. Is Jesus just the son of a carpenter, a good man, a teacher of righteousness or was He something much more? John puts these questions to rest immediately.
I relate to the Apostle John. As a fisherman by trade, he spent countless hours on the water. He knew the sea when it was smooth and soothing, and he knew it during torrential storms. Having been on both types of water myself, I know it is a rough life—one that hardens the body through the rigors of the sea and the work required just to make it back to port. Most would have looked at John as a common laborer with calloused hands, not a philosopher. Yet, because he was hand-picked as an apostle and spent years at the side of Jesus, he was taught the mysteries that scholars have sought for centuries.
Our reading starts with that fundamental question: Who is Jesus? The Gospel of John parallels the creation story, powerfully disrupting our human concept of time. “In the beginning” means before anything else existed. This is a difficult concept for any philosopher to grasp. Jesus Himself, in John 17, speaks of the glory He shared with the Father before the world began.
We find that Jesus is much more than we are, yet He was also one hundred percent man. He suffered and was tempted just as we are, setting aside the glory He had at the beginning of creation to be made like us in every way. Throughout history, we have seen individuals and entire nations fall into darkness because of their fallen condition—from Adam and Eve being forced out of the garden to the world in the time of Noah.
God has always shone light into the hearts of people through our consciences, His laws, and the Prophets to bring us out of darkness. Yet, as bright as those lights were, our readings today show us something even greater: the Word who was with the Father has come in the flesh. This One—through whom all things were created—came to this earth as a man. The Light of the Father’s glory entered the world to show us which way to go, to illuminate our paths, and to overcome darkness in all its forms. This True Light came to show us the way of love for the Father and love for each other, ultimately leading us back home.
Reflection Questions
- John was a fisherman, not a scholar, yet he understood the deepest truths of God. How does this encourage you when you feel “unqualified” to study or share the Word?
- Jesus existed before the world began. How does knowing that your Savior is the Creator of the universe change how you view Him?
- John 1:5 promises that darkness cannot overcome the Light. In what area of your life does the “darkness” feel heavy right now, and how can you invite the “True Light” into that space?
Prayer
Father,
We thank You for the testimony of John—a man of calloused hands and a devoted heart. Thank You for sending the Word into our world to become flesh and dwell among us. We are humbled that the Creator of the stars chose to walk in our shoes and suffer our temptations. Light up the dark corners of our hearts today, and give us the faith to follow the path You have illuminated.
Amen.
