Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Can I be honest with you? I love today’s reading. As I’ve grown in my faith over the years, John 1—specifically the opening few verses—has become one of my favorite passages of Scripture, I think because it almost feels poetic how John opens his Gospel account to highlight Jesus as God. Every time I read this chapter, the Lord brings something new to my understanding, so I’m excited to dig into it a little bit further with you today. Today, I just want to highlight the first five verses as this is what John uses to set the stage and lay the foundation for the rest of his account.

Right out of the gate, John uses what would have been familiar language to the Jews as he writes, “In the beginning.” If you’ve been around church for any length of time, odds are you have heard that phrase before. John is harkening back to the very first page of the Bible, Genesis 1:1, the creation account. In Genesis, the verse finishes, “God created the heavens and the earth.” Here, John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”

“Word” in Greek (“logos”) conveys the idea of God’s speech or His divine expression. When we speak, we are expressing outwardly what we are thinking inwardly, so here, “logos” refers to the outward expression of God’s mind through speech. This refers to Jesus, the “exact expression of God’s nature (Hebrews 1:3).” I’m not going to attempt to dive into the whole concept of the Trinity here, but it’s a common understanding among believers and scholars throughout church history that in this passage, “The Word” is a reference to Christ.

Just in this first sentence, John teaches us so much about Jesus, The Word:

• The Word already existed in the beginning (outside of our concept of time).
• The Word was with God (implying an interpersonal relationship with God).
• The Word was God (the Word is also actually the person of God).

Colossians 1:15-20 and Hebrews 1:1-4 are examples of other passages that similarly highlight the deity of Christ, saying He is the “image of the invisible God” and talks about how Jesus was present and active in the act of creation, which John references as well in verse 3.

There’s so much more depth in these verses, but the last thing I want to highlight is the last phrase of verse 5, which reads: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Here, John reminds us that Christ is the true Victor over darkness or death. John is writing this after Jesus has already been resurrected, so he is writing it from a place of knowing it as fact. Darkness couldn’t overcome the Light; death couldn’t overcome Jesus. So, be encouraged that the Jesus we read about in the pages of Scripture and talk about on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights in House Church—truly He is God and the overcomer of darkness, and if you believe in Him, He lives in you!

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Take some time to read through Colossians 1:15-20 as well as Hebrews 1:1-5. Note the similar themes in these passages as they relate to the opening of John. What sticks out to you? What phrases, words, expressions, or ideas are repeated? What do you think is the significance of that?
• Reflect for a moment on the vastness of God and how He is bigger than our understanding. Does this lead you to worship? To gratitude? To awe? To confusion? To frustration? Take a few moments and express your inner thoughts to the Lord. Ask that He draw you closer to Him as you seek to learn more about Him through studying His Word.
• Listen to the song “In the Beginning” by Bethany Dillon to meditate on this chapter of Scripture through song.
• This week on the Venture Church App, check the app every day from Palm Sunday to Easter for new content to prepare your heart and mind for Resurrection Sunday. Walk through the sacred timeline that forever changed humankind’s relationship with God by taking a personal journey through Holy Week with our daily guide.

Family Application: John 1

By: Brooke Davis-Jefcoat

Does the darkness ever make you or someone close to you feel afraid? Maybe sometimes you find yourself searching or praying for light in those times. If so, did you know that you can ask Jesus to be that light for you? The truth is, Jesus IS the light, and we know that from the teachings in John 1. Scripture tells us that when we follow Jesus and keep His commandments, we will become sons and daughters of God. This means Jesus’ light will ALWAYS be with us! No matter what we are facing, His Word and His presence can always illuminate our paths. His light always shines and when you carry Him with you, His light will shine through you.

• What are some ways that Jesus’ light helps you in times of need?
• Let’s think of some ways that we can take that light within us and spread it to others.
• Prayer: Jesus, we thank you for Your Word and for light. When I am having a hard time, I know that I can call on You to guide me. Help me to continue to seek the light You give and share it with others. Amen.
• Check out the “Holy Week Family Guide” on the Venture Church App! On the homepage of the app, click on the “Journey through Holy Week” button to find a daily guide. On each day of Holy Week, you can watch a short video, reflect on scripture, and download the “Holy Week Family Guide” PDF. Use this tool with your family and share it with friends!