Mark introduces us to the adult Jesus on the banks of the River Jordan. Later we will meet Jesus, the Suffering Son of Man. Matthew portrays Jesus as the New Moses and Luke as Son of David and Son of God. John opens his gospel, telling us about Jesus existing outside of time and place, always existing in the cosmos. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” He takes this extraordinary understanding even further: “The Word was God.” (Jn 1; 1 – 2) Pause for a moment and try to take this in. How does this transform your understanding of Jesus?
The Word is God’s gift to us. “In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.” This gives a totally new meaning to Genesis 1: 1 – 4
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was a formless void, there was darkness over the deep, and God’s spirit hovered over the waters. God said: ‘Let there be light’, and there was light. God saw that the light was good.”
Now, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (1: 5) Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever, follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (8: 12)
John, the Witness, enters, bringing us down to earth. He testifies to the light .. so that all might believe through him.” We learn that, the true light, is Jesus come into the world to enlighten everyone. (1: 6 – 9) We also hear the voice of Simeon in the distance, “Now, Master, my eyes have seen your salvation, a light to the Gentiles and the glory for your people Israel.” Jesus is our light and our life. (Lk 2: 29 – 32)
Jesus experienced rejection during his life. He taught, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (6: 54) We are called to accept Jesus, his teachings, every aspect of him, totally. The response was, “This is a hard saying; who can accept it?” As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life.” (6: 54; 60; 66) The evangelist warns us of what is to come. “He came to his own, and his own people did not accept him. (1: 11)
The prologue reaches its climax.
“All who receive him, who believe in his name will become the children of God.” (1: 12)
We opened with the Godhead, outside of time and place. Now:
“ The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory.” (1: 14) Why? “So that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and through this belief you may have life in his name.” (20: 31)