The Word
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5 NIV
Has there been an instance where you’ve read something three or four times, but on the fifth time, you’ve seen it with a “different set of eyes?” That is to say, you’re interpretation of what you’ve read several times changes, and in turn, your perspective changes as well?
Let’s change one word in this passage from John, and see if it causes a slight shift in our perspective…
In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God. Jesus was with God in the beginning. Through Jesus all things were made; without Jesus nothing was made that has been made. In Jesus was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. Jesus’ light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Perhaps you’ve already “seen” this passage from this perspective, and it’s nothing new to you. What’s the big deal? You already knew this, and in fact, you grew up knowing it. No revelations here for you.
Then again, this may be the very first time that you’ve clearly seen what John was trying to tell us, and the realization of it is rocking your world, just as it did to me a couple of weeks ago.
You see, many of us of have either forgotten, or never really realized that Jesus is not only God’s Son, but God. The same may be said for the realization that “The Word” that people are always referring to isn’t just the Bible, but Jesus; God’s spoken word delivered to us, not by an apostle, disciple, or prophet, but by God’s own Son. The Word made flesh.
The word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
When you view the world the Jesus’ eyes, when you feel with his heart, and when you seek to walk with his mind, the Word comes alive in you.
Jesus is the Word. He is the way, and the truth, and the life. Death will never claim him, and darkness will never replace his light. Never.
