Snapshots of the Lord’s Life

John 1:1–9
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The writers of the four Gospels give us brief snapshots of our Lord’s life on earth because no complete biography could ever be written (John 21:25). John, who presents Christ as the Son of God, begins his gospel in eternity past. He says that when time began, the Word (Christ) was already in existence (vv. 1-2). Having established the eternity of the Word, John then proceeds to describe His involvement in creation (v. 3). He states that Christ was the creator and not the created. Creation is not a process; it is a finished product.

Life is a key theme throughout this book. The word is used 36 times. He explains how Jesus not only has life and gives life, but He is life (v. 4). Through this life He brings light to the world (v. 5). Christ is the shining light in contrast to the darkness of this sinful world. The reference to darkness is the unbelief and sin of mankind. You would think that blind sinners would welcome the light, but this is not the case. Instead of taking Jesus’ teaching as spiritual truth, the people interpreted it in a material and physical way. Next we see how John the Baptist was sent as a witness for Jesus Christ. He was “sent from God” (v. 6) and like the Old Testament prophets he was equipped and commissioned by God for a special ministry. John’s goal was that all men might come to trust in Jesus (vv. 7-9). His ministry was similar to what the ministry of Christians should be today. We are to give a personal witness of Christ so that others may believe.

Application

It would be good for me to make a list of the things I am presently doing to help be a witness for Christ in this dark world. I want to make sure I am doing what the Lord wants me to do.