John 1:10, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.”
Each of the four gospels present the life of Jesus Christ from a different perspective. Matthew begins by bringing our attention to the Lord’s genealogy and right to the throne of David; Mark brings our attention to His ministry and service; Luke gives us more details concerning the Lord’s conception (of the Holy Ghost) and the virgin birth; John begins slightly different. John begins by telling us that “He” is eternal (John 1:1-3); that He created “All things” (John 1:3); and that He took upon Himself perfect humanity (John 1:14). While John, in this Gospel, covers much concerning the Life and Ministry of the Lord, in the early part of this book he takes space to teach us who “He” is. In 1:1-3, Jesus is said to be the “Word”. In 1:9 He is said to be the “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” In 1:18 He is said to be the “only begotten” of the Father. In 1:18 He is said to be the “Son” of God. In 1:29 He is called the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” In 1:41 He is said to be the “Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.” In 1:49 He is called “the King of Israel.” What an amazing way to begin this gospel, by teaching the reader that Jesus is the express image of His Father; the Light of the world; a Son like no other; One equal to the Father; the perfect and only offering able to atone for sin; the One sent by the Father; and the One Who has right and claim to the throne of David to reign over His people. The first chapter of John also tells us of, at least, seven witnesses who provide testimony that “He” is the Eternal Son of God. In 1:7, John the Baptist bore witness of Him; In 1:14 it was the Apostles; In 1:32 the Holy Spirit declared Him to be the Son of God; In 1:40-41 it is Andrew, Peter’s bother, who gives testimony; In 1:45-46 it is Philip who said “Come and see”; and in 1:49 it was Nathaniel. And you may ask, why did John, who penned these words by inspiration of the Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16), think it so important that the reader understand Who Jesus is? The reason is simple. If the reader does not understand that Jesus Christ is the Eternal Son of God, who took upon Himself perfect humanity to die in the room and stead of His people, the rest of the book will quickly become words on paper and no different than any other book you pick up and read. But if the reader understands and believes that Jesus Christ is God, the events of this Book become declarations of the wonderful works of God, who came into this world to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Dear reader, what do you believe? Do you believe the Bible, or the words of man? The Bible declares the “He” of John chapter one is God manifested in perfect humanity, and I believe the Bible. Amen!