John 1:1-2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
This is perhaps the central claim of John’s Gospel and, indeed, Christianity. That the divine Word that takes on human flesh in Jesus is not just from God, or only was with God, but actually was and is God. That is, Jesus is not only God’s message to us, but also and most fully God come among us and for us.
Yes, it is the central claim of Christianity. But it is not unique to Christianity. Other religions from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece had traditions and stories of children of the gods that walked the earth and even of God taking on human shape and form. So the claim John makes – and that the Church confesses – is not unique. This troubles some believers who imagine that if this claim and confession isn’t absolutely distinctive then our faith itself is somehow less distinctive, perhaps even less plausible.
But, trust me, John wasn’t trying to be either unique or plausible in this confession. Rather, he was simply bearing witness. And what ultimately ends up being distinctive is not so much his claim that the eternal reason and wisdom of the universe took on human flesh, but rather what happens when God does just that.
And to hear that confession, we must read the rest of his Gospel. This is, after all, only the prologue.
Prayer: Dear God, we may not understand how it was that you took on our flesh to share with us the good news of your grace, but we can at least understand why: out of profound and unending love. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I have to say I have been very hesitant to dive into John’s Gospel with you! I’ve been with you since the beginning but this was nearly a deal breaker for me! I’m not a fan of John’s Gospel at all. Yes, he’s got some beautiful stories and I have a couple of favorites in John’s Gospel, but as a whole, Its not my favorite at all.
I’ve taken 3-classes in this gospel and didn’t come to an appreciation at all for this body of work. so I was more than leary!!
I finally sat down and binge-read the 7-days I was behind and I have to tell you, you hooked me back in on day 1 of breaking open John’s Gospel. I appreciate how you’ve chosen to break this up, I really appreciate the prayers at the end of each section (I appreciated them with Matthew, Mark and Luke as well) .
Thank You for delving into John. I’ll keep reading!!!