Scripture
Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word
1In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2He existed in the beginning with God.
3God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
4The Word gave life to everything that was created,[1]
and his life brought light to everyone.
5The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.[2]
6God sent a man, John the Baptist,[3] 7to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. 8John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. 9The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
10He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
14So the Word became human[4] and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.[5] And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
15John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’”
16From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.[6] 17For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God,[7] is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.
Translation notes (7)
- 1:3-4 Or and nothing that was created was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything.
- 1:5 Or and the darkness has not understood it.
- 1:6 Greek a man named John.
- 1:14a Greek became flesh.
- 1:14b Or grace and truth; also in 1:17.
- 1:16 Or received the grace of Christ rather than the grace of the law; Greek reads received grace upon grace.
- 1:18 Some manuscripts read But the one and only Son.
12But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
In Jesus' day, familial lines were essential. People cared deeply about the family lines that they were born into. The family people were born into determined their inheritance, safety, security, and much more. That is why as we think about the gift of Jesus and the implications of this gift, perhaps the most magnificent element is that when we place our faith in Jesus, we are brought into the family of God.
John writes about the incredible truth that we are invited into the family of God in John 1. In this chapter, He introduces Jesus as "the light" "who gives light to everyone" (verse 9). He explains that many did not recognize Jesus when He came, and many rejected Him (verses 10-11). Despite these things, John shares the incredible truth that "to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God." (verse 12). In other words, all who place their faith in Jesus and believe in Him are brought into God's family.
Being in the family of God changes everything. It means the inheritance of eternal life with God forever. It means we are cared for and protected by God, our Heavenly Father. It also means that we are not alone and that we belong to the people of God.
Friends, if you have placed your faith in Jesus, you have been invited into God's family. You are His son or daughter. You have all the rights and privileges of the child of the King. That means you can have peace that you will always be taken care of. You can also be confident that you will have eternal life with Him one day. May you find peace and hope in being His child today.
Moving toward action
One of the best ways to celebrate being a part of God's family is by worshiping together. So please make plans to come worship at one of our weekend services. Bring a friend! We cannot wait to see you there.
Going Deeper
John 1:1-18 (NLT)
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