“In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
— John 1:1–5 (NLT)
There are few passages in Scripture that take your breath away like this one. John’s opening lines don’t ease you into the story gently—they lift the veil and throw open the windows to eternity. Before anything existed, the Word was. Before time, before space, before stars and planets, the Word already existed—alive, divine, eternal.
The Word: Jesus
John will later tell us plainly: “The Word became human and made His home among us” (John 1:14). The Word isn’t just a poetic idea—it’s Jesus, the Son of God. He didn’t begin in Bethlehem. He existed before creation. He was with God, and He was God.
This is one of the clearest declarations in Scripture of Jesus’ divinity. He wasn’t just a good man or wise teacher. He is the eternal Word—the divine expression of God Himself.
Through Him, Everything
Every tree you see, every mountain you hike, every sunrise and symphony and musical solo—it all came through Jesus. Paul echoes this in Colossians 1:16: “Everything was created through Him and for Him.”
That means Jesus is not just the Savior of our souls; He’s the Architect of our world. He is involved in every atom, every heartbeat. Everything good, beautiful, and true finds its source in Him.
Life and Light
John goes further. He says that “the Word gave life to everything that was created.” Not just physical life—but soul life. And this life brought light to everyone.
That light is more than illumination—it’s revelation. It’s hope. It’s truth. It’s love. It’s the unmistakable presence of God pushing back the shadows.
And here’s the most powerful promise in this passage: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Darkness Doesn’t Win
We all walk through dark valleys—uncertainty, grief, discouragement, sin. But here’s the gospel truth: darkness never wins. The light of Jesus is stronger than any shadow you face. It cannot be extinguished, overcome, or erased.
We live in a world where bad news travels fast. But this is the good news we need every day: Jesus is the Light. He shines on broken hearts, cynical minds, and weary souls. And that light still burns brightly—even in the darkest places.
A Thought for Today
You may be feeling surrounded by darkness right now. Maybe in your health, your finances, your relationships, or even your faith. But John reminds us: the darkness cannot overcome the Light.
Let His light into every part of your life today. He was there at the beginning—and He’s still here now.
Reflection Questions:
- Where have you seen the light of Jesus shine in your life recently?
- Are there any areas where darkness is trying to creep in? Invite the Light in.
- Take a moment to worship Jesus—not just as Savior, but as the eternal Word, the Life-Giver, the Light of the World.
