We often think of Jesus as the baby in the manger who grows up to do miracles, die on the cross, and be raised from the dead in three days. While he did all those things, Jesus’ identity encompasses so much more. In fact, we can’t even begin to wrap our minds around the miracle that happened when God sent his son, the Word, into the world.
If we replace the word “Word” with “Jesus” as this passage begins, we can get a clearer picture of another truth about Jesus. He is eternal and has been with God the Father from the beginning. I often refer to God as the “Creator,” but this passage suggests Jesus was also responsible, for “nothing was created except through him.” That gives our picture of Jesus a much richer dimension, doesn’t it?
I love the image of Jesus shedding light on all things. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” Jesus is that light, and we can have confidence that nothing can extinguish it. Jesus tells us he is the light of the world in John 8:12. He says, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
There are plenty of people, worldly powers, religions, etc. that would like to snuff out our belief in Jesus. But he is eternal. He has always been with the Father, and he will always be. For a moment in time, Jesus stepped out of his divinity and came to earth so that we could see God in the flesh. What a gift!
But his own people didn’t even recognize him! How can that be? I’ve always marveled at that. They had been waiting for their Messiah, but their earthly limitations kept them from seeing Jesus, the Word, for who he was. We can now have the eternal Word, and I am so thankful that I do recognize him as God. Yet, we can still fall prey to deceptions of the world. Where are your weaknesses?
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” That “all” encompasses us all these centuries later. We can be children of God. Think of the benefits we can enjoy having such an inheritance! “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.” Where do your loyalties lie?
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for revealing this side of your character. Protect me from the darkness that looms in this world waiting to pounce and overtake me. Thank you for your mercy and grace. I believe in you and have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. What an honor and a privilege it is to be your child. Guide my feet as I follow you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
