Snapshots of the Lord’s Life
August 4, 2021
Commentary
The writers of the four Gospels give us brief snapshots of our Lord’s life on earth because no complete biography could ever be written (John 21:25). John, who presents Christ as the Son of God, begins his gospel in eternity past. He says that when time began, the Word (Christ) was already in existence (vv. 1-2). Having established the eternity of the Word, John then proceeds to describe His involvement in creation (v. 3). He states that Christ was the creator and not the created. Creation is not a process; it is a finished product.
Life is a key theme throughout this book. The word is used 36 times. He explains how Jesus not only has life and gives life, but He is life (v. 4). Through this life He brings light to the world (v. 5). Christ is the shining light in contrast to the darkness of this sinful world. The reference to darkness is the unbelief and sin of mankind. You would think that blind sinners would welcome the light, but this is not the case. Instead of taking Jesus’ teaching as spiritual truth, the people interpreted it in a material and physical way. Next we see how John the Baptist was sent as a witness for Jesus Christ. He was “sent from God” (v. 6) and like the Old Testament prophets he was equipped and commissioned by God for a special ministry. John’s goal was that all men might come to trust in Jesus (vv. 7-9). His ministry was similar to what the ministry of Christians should be today. We are to give a personal witness of Christ so that others may believe.
Application
It would be good for me to make a list of the things I am presently doing to help be a witness for Christ in this dark world. I want to make sure I am doing what the Lord wants me to do.
John 1:1– 9 (NET)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. 2 The Word was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.
6 A man came, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that everyone might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
Illustration: Dixon Girl That Made a Difference
Cedarville College president, Paul Dixon, told of a high school girl who was in his audience several years ago. As she listened, she decided she wanted to make a difference in her high school. The next day, one of her teachers who was fed up with the way things were going walked into his classroom and said, “If any of you can tell me what life is all about go ahead.” Surprised, the girl raised her hand and explained that she had found answers to those questions in Jesus Christ. The teacher, who was an agnostic, invited her to stay after class and explain her beliefs. When she suggested that he attend an evangelistic meeting, he agreed. That Friday night he trusted in Jesus as Savior, and today he’s active in Christian service. (Daily Bread, May 8, 1995).