Lent 2022 - John 1 (Day 1)
John 1
Key Verses
v.1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
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Reading John 1, I am always captivated by the beginning portion where the author highlights how “the WORD (Jesus) was in the beginning”. A similar language seen in Genesis 1 (In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth).
But what is unique to me personally about John 1 today is how John (the presumed author of this gospel) makes it very clear who this book is going to be about. John could have started his book going right into the story of John the Baptist (a different John (v.6-51)). But he took a moment to emphasize and focus on what matters first:
"In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John found it very important to first highlight and acknowledge that this book is about Jesus who was at the beginning, Jesus who was with God, and Jesus who is God. And this will be about a book about this Jesus who eventually would go and die for us on the cross (v. 9-18)
The timing in my own personal life is that I am being reminded that this life of mine that I have is “Not About Me”. As I begin to read John again, I am reminded that truly this life I have with God is not about me. Instead my life and all that I do is a surrendered life to Jesus who graciously died for me on the cross.
Prayer -
Jesus, today as I begin Day 1 of Lent, I pray that I would begin with a heart that says “Life is not about me. Instead, it is about You." And remind me that a life with and for You is the greatest thing that anyone can live”