From Before the Beginning
Read John 1:1-14.
As we come near to the end of our Lenten journey, we are going to revisit some of John's "greatest hits," to remind ourselves of how far we've come and to have perspective for the cross that lies ahead. I've recently blogged on this passage, but there is so much depth here that a second, third, fourth and millionth look at these theologically rich words is well worth our time.
When I read this prologue, I have to remember that John has spent his entire life reflecting on, thinking about and praying through the meaning of Jesus' life. Of course, the whole of the Gospel comes out of that refection, thought and prayer, so the profound words he begins with might be the best summary of what he has come to know about his friend Jesus. Having read John's writing (up to the crucifixion) over the last few weeks, these words at the beginning take on an even deeper meaning: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning" (1:1-2).
John is reminding us (perhaps even reminding himself) of how much Jesus gave up to come do what he did. The second person of the Trinity, the Son of God, the one who existed from before time began, who always has been and always will be, stepped into time, gave up his power and majesty to be born in a stable, lived a commoner's life and died in an ignoble fashion on a cursed cross. Jesus gave up everything—for John and for you and for me. John wants us to know from the very start of his story that Jesus isn't just a good teacher or a moral example. He is the Word of God. He is God in the flesh, choosing to come, live and die for our sake.
Paul, reflecting that same tradition, puts it this way:
This Holy Week, allow these words, this prologue of John, to inspire, encourage and humble you as you seek to draw near to the one who was from before the beginning. He took on flesh so that he could be closer than you can imagine.
As we come near to the end of our Lenten journey, we are going to revisit some of John's "greatest hits," to remind ourselves of how far we've come and to have perspective for the cross that lies ahead. I've recently blogged on this passage, but there is so much depth here that a second, third, fourth and millionth look at these theologically rich words is well worth our time.
When I read this prologue, I have to remember that John has spent his entire life reflecting on, thinking about and praying through the meaning of Jesus' life. Of course, the whole of the Gospel comes out of that refection, thought and prayer, so the profound words he begins with might be the best summary of what he has come to know about his friend Jesus. Having read John's writing (up to the crucifixion) over the last few weeks, these words at the beginning take on an even deeper meaning: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning" (1:1-2).
John is reminding us (perhaps even reminding himself) of how much Jesus gave up to come do what he did. The second person of the Trinity, the Son of God, the one who existed from before time began, who always has been and always will be, stepped into time, gave up his power and majesty to be born in a stable, lived a commoner's life and died in an ignoble fashion on a cursed cross. Jesus gave up everything—for John and for you and for me. John wants us to know from the very start of his story that Jesus isn't just a good teacher or a moral example. He is the Word of God. He is God in the flesh, choosing to come, live and die for our sake.
Paul, reflecting that same tradition, puts it this way:
Jesus, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothingNothing. Servant. Human likeness. Appearance. Paul doesn't mean to imply that Jesus only seemed to be human, but that he took that nature on himself. He didn't trade one for another; he added humanity to who he was. He is forever Son of God and Son of Man. And he did that all for you and for me.
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8)
This Holy Week, allow these words, this prologue of John, to inspire, encourage and humble you as you seek to draw near to the one who was from before the beginning. He took on flesh so that he could be closer than you can imagine.
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