John 1:1-5 In the Beginning Was the Word

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.

If  I could give you one tip about understanding the bible, it is this: Every testimony is about Jesus, especially the gospel of John. Keep that in mind when you read the Bible. IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS.

Vs 1… John begins at an eternity past and says “ In the beginning.”  He is referring to the beginning of when things were created. When things began, Jesus was there present at creation and one with God, yet distinct in person. So, when John mentions “ the word”, he is referring to JESUS. “In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God.” 

It's important to know this since many will confuse you about who Jesus is and when did He come to exist. Jesus is in perfect fellowship with the Father. Jesus is not a created being, but fully God himself.

Evidence: 

• John 17:4-5 “4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” 

•  John 17:24 “24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”

  
  

So let me clarify what was stated:

• “In the beginning was the word”----> Jesus was present in all creation from the very beginning

• “ the word was with God”---> He is in perfect fellowship with the Father

• “ the word was God”----> Jesus is fully God just like the Father. He is not a created being.

Jesus is eternal, divine, and the very expression of God, present at creation and one with God, yet distinct in person.

Vs 2… John repeats himself to make sure the reader does not miss it: Who is Jesus? Well He was with God in the beginning

Vs 3…God created the Heavens and the Earth by sending forth His word meaning Jesus. Therefore, Jesus went forth and created. He wasn't just present at creation, everything in the universe exists because of Jesus. He is the source of life, not just a part of life.

The Father (God) and the Son (Jesus) are both God, both equal but different. The bible will not lie to you, but others will try to confuse you about who Jesus is. The word of God does not lie, people do lie, especially false prophets. When it comes to the bible, always analyze and compare it to others like ESV and KJV only. There's an app called Blue Letter Bible that is free. It helps you compare two different bibles as you read.  Why compare? Some bibles are missing verses or words. Words are sometimes changed to give it a different meaning.

For example: In the English Standard Bible, it says in John 1:1 “ In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.” This is correct 

Jehovah witnesses have their own bible that says in New World Translation “ The word was in the beginning with God and was a god.” If used as a small “g”, this describes it as a false god, an idol, or created being. This is why when describing the Father and or the Son, we use a capital “G”. A capital “G’ means the one true, eternal, self- existing Lord. You will see it more as you read and notice the difference since the Bible does mention false gods. As mentioned before, the Father and Son are equal but different, same goes to the Holy Spirit. I know it's confusing, but to understand it better, think of it like this: When it comes to water, it can become a solid, liquid, or gas. All three are different but are the same matter. I hope that helps.

Vs 4… “ In him was life..” - Jesus is the source of all life- both physical and spiritual ( eternal life). Jesus is life in himself. Lets look at John 14:6, He says “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” What does this mean? Let's break it down together:

• The way refers to being the only way to God. He is the only way to restore our relationship with the Father since we were cut off from Him when sin first took place. He is the only way for us to not stay condemned but have an opportunity to be in heaven with the Father and Son. We already have eternal life, the question is where are you going eternally? The only way to the Father is through Jesus.

• The truth refers to how Jesus reveals the truth about the Father and Himself. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world,[ that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This is the truth, the word of God is the truth.

• The life refers to how Jesus is the source of eternal life and was the source for creating physical life. Before we knew Jesus, we were spiritually dead. To all who believe in Jesus and have received Him into their lives receives spiritual everlasting life and forgiveness.

In this same verse, it says “ The life was the light of men.” This means Jesus is the light in complete darkness of the world/ mankind. Jesus brings clarity and hope where there is confusion and sin. His life brings light meaning truth, understanding, and salvation. Without Jesus, there is no true life or truth in general.

Vs 5… “ The light shines in darkness”

We live in a world filled with sin, ignorance, and brokenness. This world is completely in darkness but through darkness, there is light. The light is Jesus, He brings God's truth and holiness. His light is active and ongoing, meaning His truth and life continues to illuminate even now through us. We are called to reflect that light in a dark world. Before Jesus, we were part of the darkness ( sin, ignorance, and brokenness). In Him, we become light, His spirit lives in us.  Your kindness, forgiveness, truth telling, or faithfulness in Jesus can stand out like a beacon when everything else around feels hopeless. We are like the moon, the moon has no light on its own. However, it is through the sun( Son) that the moon lights(us), the moon is reflected by the sun. Similarly, we reflect Jesus' light through love, truth, and in character. 

Matthew 5:14-16 says “14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”

Your light is not meant to be hidden, but shine. Your faith and love should not be kept private but should illuminate your surroundings. When people see kindness, mercy, and integrity, people see the glimpse of God’s character. You are the reflection of Jesus to others. Therefore, whatever you do or whatever you say, do it out of love and truth just like Jesus.

Vs 5… “ The darkness has not overcome it”

As we know, darkness represents evil, sin and opposition. No matter how strong darkness is, it can not extinguish or defeat Jesus’s light. Even death itself was defeated through Jesus' resurrection. Jesus is the victorious light and nothing in the world (evil, sin or despair) can stop His truth and life from shining.