READ: John 1:1-5:
… All things were made through Him … In Him was life, and the life was the light of men … shines in the darkness …
The book of John complements the content of the other three Gospels. Compared to Matthew, Mark, and Luke, it was written much later, some parts are missing, the order is different, and other events are told. Yet there is no contradiction between them.
The beginning (verses 1–18), also called the prologue or preface, is very profound and rich. It is a divine reflection on the meaning of God’s Son who, as Jesus Christ, is the Saviour.
It strikingly indicates Who He was and is, where He came from to the earth, and with what divine purpose; how He was announced and received on earth, and for whom He used His gifts, powers, and works.
First and foremost, God’s Son is called the Word to make clear that the Son was active in God’s speaking when Creation came into being. It was through God’s Son, the Word, that everything was created. In Him is true life (v. 4).
But much has been corrupted by the Fall into sin. That is why redemption, re-creation is necessary. What otherwise leads to death receives new life through the Word. Just as in Creation, God’s Son is also active in this re-creation. As a symbol for true life with and for God, light is mentioned in verses 4, 7, and 9.
John refers back to God’s work of creation in His work of re-creation. Then the first thing needed for life was light from God (Gen. 1:3). Likewise, in re-creation, it is the Word, God’s Son, who gives back true life as the light. In Him is the true life of mankind: the saving fellowship with God. He gives it to all who receive Him.
Yet because of sin in the world, the majority show misunderstanding and aversion toward Him. Remaining in the darkness of the power of sin prevents people from receiving Him, who is the Light of the world (John 8:12).
Why is Christ called the Light?
Sing: Hymn 18:1,2 (1984) / 22:1,2 (2014)