Gospel of John 1:14 The Darling of Heaven

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (Gospel of John 1:14)

The eternal Son of God who, with a word created everything in our universe, took upon Himself the form of a man and lived in the very world He created.  Those whose lives he touched “beheld His glory.” Concerning all that Christ did, John wrote “that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25).  He restored sight to the blind, cleansed the leper and raised the dead. He brought peace to troubled hearts and hope to those in despair. With a word He calmed the storm and even the grave had no power to hold Him. But there is more to Christ than power, much more!

His disciples loved Him and were overcome with sorrow on hearing word of His departure. To them He was patient, kind and tender.  His acceptance of them was such that John could lie in His bosom (John 13:23). In remorse Peter would weep bitterly for having denied Him (Luke 22:62).  It is believed that all bar John would finally die for Him. They beheld His glory and experienced His love. He was “the good Shepherd” who would give His life for the sheep (John 10:11). The cross was carried for their sake. The suffering he endured was for their deliverance. The life he ultimately gave was that they might have life. He dwelt among them for a time that they might dwell with Him for eternity. In beholding Him they saw His glory. As they opened their hearts to Him they found One wonderful beyond compare.

Today, as in eternity past, the heavens wait upon His every word and cherubim fall in worship at His feet. He is still the good Shepherd to those who receive Him. He is the Darling of Heaven for those who look to Him alone. He is ever kind, compassionate and loving. He can deliver you no matter what your state. Why would you reject Him?

Gospel Of John 1:12-13 Not Humanly Possible

But as many as received Him[Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (Gospel of John 1:12-13)

It is sometimes said that “all men are children of God.” The Bible teaches that man was created in the image of God (Gen 1:26) so there’s a certain element of truth to this saying. All have the capacity to think, to communicate, to plan or even dream. We have emotions, memories, convictions and a conscience that judges us! There can be no arguing that man is certainly special but, not all are “children of God.” We cannot BE children of God and then “BECOME children of God.” Both cannot be true. Only those who “receive” Jesus have the “right to become children of God.”

Becoming “a child of God” is not something man has the power to bring about. Yes, we have put a man on the moon but we have our limits. This new birth does not come about naturally (“of blood”) nor from human effort, power or ingenuity (”will of the flesh/man”). It is “of God.” God gives a new life and this life is not of this world. It’s the life of Christ. A life that desires to please God. A life that delights in truth and hates evil. A true child of God is different and noticeably so! There is a deep and abiding desire to be led by God through the Word of God (John 17:17). There is a new discernment concerning that which is false or perverse (John 10:3-5). His life is not characterized by indulgence (Eph 2:3) and disobedience (1 John 1:6).  This life hungers to be close to God and is devastated by sin (Psalm 32:5; yes, true Christians can and do sin!). Though he may fall, he doesn’t stay in the “pig pen” (Luke 15:17-18). When God gives life there is a visible and abiding change.

Gospel of John 1:9-11 - Blurred Vision?

[Jesus]“was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own [place], and His own [people] did not receive Him” (Gospel of John 1:9-11)

Jesus is the true Light who gives light. Light here is used in a metaphorical sense for understanding. Just as the light of a lamp allows us to find our way in the dark, so God has given us the ability to understand things.  The expression, “now I see the light!” means, “now I understand!” Jesus, the true Light, gives this ability to all men.

But why is John making this point?

Jesus came into this world “to His own [place] and His own [people]” in fulfilment of prophecy.

     "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

     Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,

     Yet out of you shall come forth to Me

     The One to be Ruler in Israel,

     Whose goings forth are from of old,

     From everlasting.”

                                                                         (Micah 5:2)

The nation of Israel knew of this prophecy and many others like it. They had been waiting for their “Ruler” for hundreds of years!  Jesus came in fulfilment of these prophecies and even highlighted Bible passages in reference to Himself (Luke 4:21), but the nation refused to acknowledge Him. They rejected Him and would “not receive Him.” They had the ability to see but refused to accept what was obvious. They could have known Him if they wanted to but they choose darkness.

What about you? Have you acknowledged Jesus? Is it because you cannot see who He is ? or because you don’t want to? You can know what the Bible says about the salvation that is in Jesus alone. God has given the ability to understand.

Gospel Of John 1:6-8

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light" (Gospel Of John 1:6-8)

John, was Jesus’ first cousin. His mother Elisabeth was Mary’s sister (Matt 1:11-17). He grew to great prominence in Israel and was acknowledged as a prophet and great man of God whose ministry was to point men to Christ (the “Light”), and in this he excelled. This was his burden and his passion. It is he who uttered the words “behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). A man of true piety who considered Himself  unworthy to loosen the strap of Jesus’ sandal (John 1:28).  His words, “He must increase and I must decrease” reveal the purity of his heart.

But John was decidedly unpopular with the religious establishment of the day. He confronted their hypocrisy labelling them “snakes” and calling upon them to repent (Matt 3:7). Some did, but the majority refused. They professed godliness but possessed corrupt hearts. They talked much about God but it wasn’t genuine. It wasn’t sincere. John had little time for them and was quick to expose their corrupt ways. Jesus would likewise call them “hypocrites” and “whitewashed tombs” (Matt 23:27).  John’s uncompromising stands would eventually cost him his life (Mark 6:14-29). Though despised by many for telling the truth he was nevertheless highly esteemed in Christ’s eyes (Matt 11:11).

John did not point to men or women, no matter how godly. He pointed to Christ, alone. He exalted Christ, alone. How embarrassed Mary, or any godly man and woman of bygone days would be to find themselves exalted in place of Christ. Would Mary have desired this? Never! She, and they, would echo John’s words, “He must increase and I must decrease.”

Gospel of John 1:4,5

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”

In Jesus Christ is life.  It is not the life of this world. It is not the life that man is born with. The life of man is tainted. The life of man is cut off from God. It is in rebellion against God and will have nothing to do with Him. Man is an enemy of God (Rom 5:10) and will never seek Him out (Rom 3:11). He is bent on creating an image of God he can live with (false religions) or dismissing Him entirely (evolution). Man enjoys the blessings of creation but refuses to acknowledge a Creator. Advances in science have revealed astonishing complexities. The smallest cell is now visible through the microscope. Powerful telescopes continuously expand our knowledge of a vast universe. Both confirm the obvious. Creation points to a Creator. But man refuses to see Him.  Millions and millions of unique complex systems (e.g. the eye, the ear, blood... ) all working in perfect unison (a body) and how does man explain this wonder? It just happened by chance over billions of years from absolutely nothing. This is blindness. This is darkness.

But Christ came that man might have a new life, His life. It is a life that is received when one turns to Christ, trusting in Him (John 20:31) and when this life comes there is light! One born into Christ’s family can see! God is clearly the Great Designer, Christ is the Savior and the Bible is His revelation. His children grow spiritually as they read His Word. His ways become clear. Who He truly is becomes a passion. Light overcomes darkness. Understanding replaces blindness. Certainty replaces confusion. Christ gives life and in His life there is light. 

Gospel of John 1:2

“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” 
(Gospel of John 1:2)

The Gospel of John emphasizes the deity of Christ. He is the creator of all things and His creation reflects His glory. It displays the wonder of His infinite genius and power. His majesty is everywhere to be seen.

Just look around you....every tree has a unique design.  Every fruit has its own flavor. Every sunset is different. The simplest flower is a wonder of detail and pattern and there is color everywhere. Birds give us the most beautiful music and effortlessly climb to heights in the sky. There are so many many different creatures. Each is special in its own way and can even form bonds and have feelings! There was a time when great dinosaurs roamed our world and then of course there is the wonder of man! A being created in the in the very image of God with the ability to think, to love, to communicate. Every organ in our body has a unique and immensely complex function. The eye to see, the ear to hear, the nose to smell and all work together in a perfect unity.

 We feel guilt at a wrong. We feel a sense of accomplishment at a job well done. We can hold our children in our arms and feel love in our hearts. Is it any wonder the

Psalmist would write that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13)?  Everything in our world points to an omnipotent God. All creation declares the majesty and wonder of Christ.

We have received so much. We have so much to be grateful for. Surely a God who puts so much good in our lives ought to be appreciated? Should we not acknowledge Him and thank Him?  Why not now?

Gospel of John 1:1,2

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (Gospel of John 1:1,2)

In the opening verse of the gospel, Jesus is called the “Word of God.” This “Word of God” was not only with God but also “was God.” The emphasis here is on the essence of God. John is basically pointing out that what God was, the Word was. Jesus is of the same essence as the Father. Both are deity. Jesus is not “a god” (someone created by God), He is God from eternity and was with God at the beginning (creation).

The Gospel of John has numerous pictures to help us grasp who Jesus really is and what He came to this world to do. For instance, Jesus is called the door, the lamb of God, the vine, the light of the world, the good shepherd.

Likewise, John uses “Word” to convey something of Jesus’ ministry. That this is the first illustration suggests its meaning is important. So what’s intended by “Word”?

“Word” communicates something. When we talk to one another we use words to communicate. It’s how we pass along information. It’s how we share our ideas, our plans, our feelings and so on. “Words” are at the very heart of our relationships. In fact, it’s impossible to have a relationship without words! A breakdown in communication signals a breakdown in a relationship. When someone gives the “silent treatment,” they are basically saying they do not want a relationship!

Jesus is sent from the Father (1 John 4:14) as the “Word of God.” It is He who is seeking to have a relationship with you. It is in His heart that you be with Him. He has words that you need to hear! Words to begin a lasting relationship, an eternal one!

“Has God indeed said ....” (Genesis 3:1)

[The Serpent to Eve] “ Has God indeed said ....”  (Genesis 3:1)

 “And the Serpent said to the woman, ”You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4)

The Serpent in Genesis is later revealed to be Satan. A shrewd and cunning adversary who presents himself as an angel of light. His true character is only revealed when his hold is strong (e.g. the occult). Until then, he drips piety, goodness and kindness. His purpose however, is to  undermine the Word of God and bring death. The apostle Paul tells us that we are not ignorant of  his devices (2 Cor 2:11). In other words, his mode of attack is well known.  His goal has not changed and neither have his methods. He will always undermine or challenge the Word of God. His first words to Eve were “Has God indeed said...” He challenged her respect for God’s Word and found her lacking. Knowing something was terribly wrong he proceeds to call God a liar! “You will not surely die” and she believes him! His strategy is the same today. He undermines the Word of God by calling into question what is written in the Bible. His schemes never change. His attack is always the same. He whispers... God really doesn’t mean what He says? These are just stories written by men.  If you believe the Bible, who knows what madness could take hold of you?!  And surely there is certainly no fearful judgment. That’s just fear mongering! Scare tactics! That is how religion works ... fear! The Bible is not to be taken too seriously! Let’s not get carried away! Do you want to be an extremist? A religious fanatic?

But God never lies. He tells the absolute truth, all the time. The Bible foretold Christ’s first coming hundreds of years in advance and everything came to pass. Everything! And Jesus promised “for assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” (Matt 5:18). 

Who do you want to believe? Who do you trust?  You can trust Christ. He never lies!

God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie ( see 2 Thess 2:9-12)

"The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, ^and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thess 2:9-12)

This prophetic passage refers to the emergence of a future prominent powerful political figure who will draw many followers through his supernatural powers. Powers which will not come from God. The Bible has much to say about this character but our interest here is not on his exploits. We also learn something about God. He influences the hearts of those who reject the truth and take pleasure in unrighteousness. He moves them to follow a false leader. He sends “strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.” The passage highlights some points that are worth considering: (1) Miracles

are not always from God. (2) God allows the use of miracles to deceive those who reject the truth (3) God seals the fate of those intent on following a lie (4) There is condemnation.

Some will find this message objectionable. Some may say, “How could God do such a thing” or “my God would never lead any to believe a lie and certainly not “send strong delusion,” heresy! heresy!” But there is a problem isn’t there?  How can something that is clearly stated in the Bible be heresy? Is it not far more important to know who God really is than to think we know and be very wrong!  This passage may offend but wouldn’t you prefer to know the truth? The most important revelation in the Bible concerns who God really is.  

Yes, there are difficult passages in the Bible and some do confront us. Some things are hard to understand but much is straightforward and easily grasped.  Yet, it is from God and it does concern you. It is the Truth.   

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen" (Rom 1:20)

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the ”things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20)

 

Yes modern day science and the Bible are at odds. Evolution teaches that our world evolved over millions of years. From nothing to staggering complexity. From nothing to man, animals, plants, planets and solar systems. Yet the simplest living thing is a wonder of ingenious design. The very eyes used to read this short article can see images instantly in three colorful dimensions, effortlessly. Every organ in the human body possesses the same incredible perfections and all work together! Lungs inhale air containing oxygen which is passed to the blood which in turn is passed to cells providing energy for the body. Carbon dioxide is removed from these same cells and exhaled through the lungs. Kidneys cleanse the blood and on and on the marvel of the human body unfolds. The Bible claims that we, and all in our world, were created. Evolution claims that our world is a product of random chance. Pope Fracsis has recently attempted to marry the two by saying “when we read about creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so” and, “evolution in nature is not inconsistent with the notion of creation, because evolution requires the creation of beings that evolve.”

This may satisfy those who seek the comfort of a middle ground but it is utterly contrary to the Word of God! According to the Bible our world was created in six days and that moment of creation took place about 6 thousand years ago! Evolution rests on the argument that given enough “time” anything can happen. This however is not science. A theory of science is repeatable and observable. Evolution is not a theory, it’s an hypothesis. Evolution is faith. A faith placed in man. 


The Bible states that man is “without excuse” because the things of God are “clearly seen” in His creation.  We believe “all things were made through Him [Christ]” (Gospel of John 1:3)