Day 1, John 1

Phillip hoped that Jesus was the “Prophet to Come” (1:45). God had always sent prophets to interpret the experiences of his people and instruct them in his ways. Moses was the first and greatest prophet, and he had said that one day another prophet like him would come (Deuteronomy 18:14-22). Was Jesus the one?

Prophets use words. The only way we understand anything is if words explain it. Each of us has a world of experiences every day. Do they have meaning? Is there a point? Is my life going in the right direction? I could use my own words to define my experience, but I’m not exactly objective. Or an inspired prophet. I need a perspective bigger than my own.

Thankfully, God speaks. Phillip knew this and hoped that Jesus would bring the ultimate, final message of God. Which Jesus did. But not only that—Jesus was both the messenger and the message. He was The Word. He was The Word spoken to create the world (Genesis 1:3) and he was The Word given to explain God. Because he was God.

How can we allow God to use his words to shape our understanding of the world we live in today? Ask him to show you the meaning of today’s moments (lunch, dishes, yard work, commuting) and the significance of today’s encounters (with family, friends, co-workers). Seen through the lens of his Word, everything in our lives has meaning.

Notes: Verses 1-18 are commonly known as the prologue to the whole gospel of John. Every major theme that is covered in the gospel is introduced in these first 18 verses. Look for the themes highlighted in these verses as you read through the gospel.
by Marc Lucenius