NT Fire Starters – Day 123: John 1:1-18

READ: John 1:1-18

THINK: John’s Gospel (i.e., his true-life account of the “good news” of Jesus Christ) is unique among the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Among other things, it gives deeper insight into the “mystery” of Jesus as both God and man. As one of Jesus’ twelve original disciples–His personally chosen followers–and a member of what might be called Jesus’ inner circle (along with Peter and James), John describes events from an eyewitness perspective. Since the early days of the church, John’s writing has served as a vital and authoritative statement about “the truth” as it literally came to life in Jesus Christ. (See Introduction to John, p. 1441.)

RESPOND: In John 1:1, who is called “the Word,” and why ? (See 1:1 note.) What is the Word’s relation to God the Father, to the world and to humanity? How long has the Word existed? (See 1:2 note.) In what ways are the themes of “life” and “light” used throughout the book of John? (See 1:4 and 1:5 notes.) Who is John and what was his purpose in relation to “the Light”? (See 1:6 note.) In what way does Jesus give light to people? (See 1:9 note.) Why didn’t the world recognize the light of Jesus? (See 1:10 note.) What does it mean “to become children of God” and what must a person do to become a child of God? (See 1:12 first and third notes.) What does it really mean to “believe” in Jesus? (See 1:12 second note.) What’s the significance of the fact that “the Word became flesh”? (See 1:14 note.) What does it mean that “grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (See 1:17 note) , and how does that affect your life?

PRAY: Worship Jesus as the eternal Word of God. Thank Him for coming to show us what God the Father is like and for revealing undeserved grace and uncompromised truth. Thank Him for allowing you to become a child of God.

ACT: Sometime between now and bedtime, sit or lay for a few minutes in a totally dark room. Then turn on a lamp or room light and notice the difference. Take time to contemplate how Jesus brought light to a spiritually dark world. Think about how His light exposes sin, reveals truth and illuminates the way to God. Ask God to show you how to better reflect His light to others. Think of a specific person to whom you can be a light for Christ in words and actions.