Key Verse: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.” (John 1:1-3 CSB)
Who really is Jesus? It’s a very important question to ask, and even more so to answer. Was Jesus a historical figure? If so, was He simply another miracle worker in His day? Was He just a great moral teacher? Or is there something more to who Jesus truly is?
When the Apostle John wrote his account of the life and teachings of Jesus, he did so with a specific purpose in mind. “But these things are written,” John said, “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). John wanted people to know who Jesus truly is, so that they would experience the life that comes through faith in Him.
So as John began his gospel account of Jesus, he did so by describing some important truths about the identity of Jesus. The first truth he pointed to is the eternal pre-existence of Jesus. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God…He was with God in the beginning” (v.1-2a).
Stop and reflect on this for a moment. Genesis 1:1 says that, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”. But before that even happened, the Word existed. Before there was anything, there was the Word who is Jesus. This means that not only was Jesus a historical figure, He is actually the One behind history!
In his opening words, John also pointed to the deity of Jesus. The Word wasn’t just with God in the beginning. “The Word was God” (v.1), John said. This is where the rubber meets the road. Most people will agree that Jesus was a great prophet or an example of love and sacrifice for us to follow. But not many believe that Jesus is actually God. In John’s mind however, there was no doubt. It was an absolute affirmation of the true identity of Jesus. The Word who is Jesus, the One who has always existed even before creation, is God.
Finally, John highlighted the fact that Jesus is also the Creator of all things. Back in Genesis 1-2, we read the story of how everything got started. It wasn’t just some random act. All that we see around us is the result of the creative handiwork of Jesus. “All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created” (John 1: 3). The agent of creation, according to John, is the Word. As the Apostle Paul wrote about Jesus, “All things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16b).
So why does this matter so much? What difference does it make who Jesus really is? Why is it such a big deal to those who bear His name? If these things are true about Jesus (and they are!), that He has always existed as God and that He is the author of all creation, then He is worthy of our attention, our devotion and our praise. He is to be exalted above all else in our lives.
Take some time today to meditate on these incredible truths about Jesus. Invite the Holy Spirit to flood your thoughts with Jesus. Worship Him today as God! Exalt the One who has given you life and has given His life for you!
Prayer: Jesus, you are worthy to receive all honor, praise and glory, because you are God. All things were created through you, including me. I choose to exalt you, and surrender my life to you again today. Take your rightful place in my life. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
