Verse 2 - John 1:1

The Eternal Word

John opens his gospel with the opening words of Genesis 1:1, last week's memory verse: "In the beginning..." Here, John intentionally echoes the opening words of Genesis to prompt us to think back to creation itself. John goes on to establish that "the Word" was present in the beginning. Before the world existed, before time began, before anything was created, "the Word" was already there.

Later in chapter 1, especially in verse 14 (next week's memory verse), John clearly shows that by using the term "the Word," he is speaking of Jesus Christ. Jesus did not begin at Bethlehem or come into existence when He was born to Mary. He has existed eternally, long before creation, history, or time itself.

Continuing, John declares that "the Word" was with God and "the Word" was God. Jesus has always existed in perfect fellowship with the Father. There was never a moment when the Father and the Son were separated or when their relationship began. From eternity past, they have shared perfect love, unity, and communion.

Furthermore, Jesus is not simply godlike, nor is He a lesser being. Jesus is fully God. While distinct from the Father, He shares the same divine nature. There is one God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Throughout his gospel, John presents Jesus as fully human and fully God. Although Jesus took upon Himself full humanity, He never ceased to be God.

John continues this truth in verse 3, where he tells us that all things were made through the Word. Jesus was not only present at creation; He was the divine agent through whom creation came into existence. Everything that exists owes its existence to Him.

The Greek word translated "Word" is logos, a term that carries the idea of expression, communication, and revelation. By calling Jesus "the Word," John presents Him as the complete and perfect revelation of God. Jesus is not merely a messenger from God; He is God revealed to us and the embodiment of all God's revelation in the Scriptures.

Because Jesus is God, His promises can be trusted completely. Because Jesus is the Creator, He has authority over every circumstance in our lives. Because Jesus is eternal and unchanging, He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. This truth is foundational to the Christian faith. If Jesus is not who He claimed to be, then our faith has no basis. But because He is the eternal Creator and Sustainer of the universe, we can trust Him completely with our lives and our eternal destiny.

When life feels uncertain, remember that the One who holds the universe together is the same One who loves you and calls you by name.