The Eternal Word: Life, Light, and Creation

Bible Passage: John 1:1–5

Summary: John 1:1–5 presents Jesus as the eternal Word who not only coexisted with God but was God Himself. This passage emphasizes the divine initiative of creation, where all things came into being through the Word, and illustrates the profound connection between Jesus and the life and light that dispels darkness, offering a transformative experience to believers.

Application: This sermon calls Christians to acknowledge Jesus as the source of their identity and purpose. In a world filled with confusion and darkness, understanding that Christ is both creator and sustainer empowers believers to trust Him in every aspect of their lives, encouraging them to seek His guidance and strength during troubled times.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus, as the Word of God, is essential for not only understanding our origins but also for comprehending our purpose. By embracing the truth of Christ as life and light, believers can align their lives with His will and shine His light into the world.

How this passage could point to Christ: The concept of Jesus as the Word connects to the entire narrative of Scripture, highlighting His role from creation to redemption. The continuity of this theme throughout the Bible reinforces the understanding of Jesus as central to God's plan for salvation and restoration.

Big Idea: Recognizing Jesus as the Eternal Word shapes our identity and guides our purpose in a world that often feels chaotic and dark; He alone provides clarity and direction for our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider using Logos to research the significance of the term 'Word' (Logos) in early Christian thought and its philosophical implications. Engaging with commentaries that discuss the prologue to John could also reveal deeper insights into the historical context and its relevance to first-century believers. Additionally, you might explore connections to Creation narratives in Genesis, enhancing your understanding of Christ's ongoing role in the universe and our lives.

John 1:1–5 ESV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

1. Eternal Existence of Christ

John 1:1 ESV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

One of the many well known Scriptures

John doesn’t start with a genealogy

instead he knows Jesus’ genealogy starts before time began!

In the beginning

Many of us have heard this

many of us have understood this

many of us have been taught about this

but have we taken it to heart

The meaning of this verse transcends time

This verse takes us all the way back to Creation

All the way back to Genesis 1

in this we see the creation of light

Throughout the rest of time

god would promise light for the world

light that would come through Jesus Christ

We actually see this explicitly later on in this section of John 1.

it is 2 Corinthians

It is also in the book of Revelation

This theme of light for the world has been around for ages

We understand at the beginning of this passage

John says in the beginning was the Word

the Greek word here is logos

logos means quite literally message in this instance

Jesus is the Word or the message in the beginning of Creation

Colossians 1:15 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

we can see this evidently as Paul describes Jesus as the firstborn of all creation

Paul is placing Jesus before the creation of the world

the greek wording both here and in John 1 indicate an eternal existence

they might seem set in stone but their translation says much different

the image of the invisible God

Jesus is the portrayal of who God is

In this we can see the triune connection of God

God the Father

God the Son (WORD) Who is with God and an active part of creation

God the Spirit (hovered above the waters)

All of creation was made in reflection of the creator

The Creator is God the Father and God the Son

The Triune

The connected three

Here we see John laying a foundation

an introduction to God in the flesh

but in this understanding

we must recognize that God in the flesh is not the beginning of Jesus

Jesus has existed forever alongside God

He is part of God

He is God

This passage is difficult for the human brain to comprehend

but through Faith we Know God in the Flesh and God in the Son

God in the trinity

You could highlight how the beginning echoes Genesis 1, emphasizing Jesus as the eternal Word who was not only with God but was God. This underscores the divine nature and authority of Christ as foundational for understanding who He is. By recognizing Jesus as the eternal divine Word, believers can trust in His unchanging nature and His power to guide and sustain them through life's uncertainties.

2. Creator of All Things

John 1:2–3 ESV

2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Colossians 1:16–17 ESV

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

In this passage of John we see an awesome identity of Christ

Here the identity of Christ is as Creator

We often recognize Jesus as our Savior

in reality He is also so much more

He is also our creator

We see here that nothing was created apart from Him

Jesus was an active part in this creation

Not only did your Savior die for you

He was your creator as well

Jesus has had a hands on approach with man since the dawn of time

He has had an intimate interaction with His creation since the first words were spoken

Jesus knows us through and through

we are told this all throughout Scripture

This section of John screams the trinitarian nature of our God

Jesus is the Word

I love how Colossians 1:17 adds to this

it says He is before all things

and all things are held together through Him

what a promise

Jesus is the glue that holds all things together

He is the glue who was creator

He is the glue who sealed salvation for mankind

He is the glue who holds our hope for all eternity

Without Jesus we would be a bunch of religious legalists!

instead we have forgiveness of all sins through the grace of our saving creator

And to top it all off with this hope

we can be rest assured that our lives are in the hands of the almighty God!

and there is no greater promise than that!

Perhaps explore how everything was made through Christ, linking His identity as the Creator. This affirms His sovereignty over all creation, offering believers a profound foundation for trusting Him amidst life's trials. Recognizing Jesus as the Creator empowers Christians to find purpose and confidence, knowing their lives are in the hands of the One who made everything.

3. Light in Darkness

John 1:4–5 ESV

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Lastly in verses 4&5 we see Jesus as light

We see that Jesus is light

In fact on top of light John states first that He is life

Jesus is life

He is our hope

He is our everything

He has given us the breath in our lungs

Jesus has given us the understanding we need

Jesus has given us eternal life if we have believed in Him

This light of Jesus

shines in the darkness

How many have been to Silver Dollar City

Inside there is the opportunity to walk through Marvel cave

In Marvel Cave you walk deep down into the earth

at one point down deep inside the cavern opens up

you are able to stand around your guide while they share the history

in this process they turn off the lights

they turn off the lights so no one can see

it is so dark you cannot even see your hand in front of your face

and then they turn on the old lantern they used to use in the cave

this old lantern was small

it held yet a small flame

and yet that small flame lit up the whole room

it wasn’t the brightest in the world but it shown through the darkness

Here John states Jesus is the light in the darkness

in fact he is not just a lantern

He is a full blown stage light

there isn’t a crevice of darkness where Jesus is at

John issues the understanding that Jesus is the light of the world

and we know that that darkness cannot overcome it

We have seen that in 1 John

but we also are called to represent that light

we are more like lanterns in the world around us

but the problem is we worry what other people with think of our light

not realizing that we are withholding what they needed from us most

an example of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

We are called to be the representatives of His nature

We know that Jesus is the image of God

You see the same light of the world is also the painter of our Souls!

we are like paintings of God

This is a famous painting that is known around the world

it reflects the styles of a particular artist specifically Van Gogh

Here yet again we have another famous artwork

This one titled scream is created by Edvard Munch

this painting represents His style and creativity

Jesus is the reflection of who God is

When He paints the heart

It is a reflection of His style and Nature

and that cannot be changed!

Does the painting on your soul represent the Light of the living God?

Maybe discuss how Jesus is the life and light, offering hope amidst darkness. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This reassures believers that in Christ, even their darkest moments are illuminated with hope and truth. Encouraging them to embrace His light equips them to shine in their world.