Many have heard of Jesus as “God’s Son.” We sing of Him at Christmas and Easter that way. But, few realize the implications of the phrase. John’s Gospel tells us much about the Son of God, particularly in the first verses of chapter one. There we read:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-4)

From this passage, we learn several important things:

First, the Word was with God in the beginning. These words link back to the creation account in Genesis 1. Though John does not use the name of Jesus until verse 17, he links Jesus directly with this description of “the Word.” Jesus was in the beginning and “with God.” This means that He existed before creation, and he has a distinct personality from God the Father. Since the phrase “with God” also has the meaning of “face to face,” we learn that the Word is equal with God.

Second, the Word was God. Though possessing an individual personality and will, the Word was equal with God, in both unity and essence. This clearly shows that the Word (Jesus) is God.

Third, the Word is Creator. John tells us, “He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him” (verses 2 thru 3a). Since only God is Creator (Genesis 1:1), John clearly establishes the deity of the Word. Also, since God (and by extension the Word) is the Creator, he is therefore uncreated.

Fourth, the Word has life by His own existence. Verse 4 tells us, “He had life in Himself, and His life was the light for all men.” As the uncreated Word, not only does He have life, but He is the source of all life. And it is that eternal life that Christ has that is the light (eternal hope) of men. That light was so strong that not even the darkness of human sin could overcome it (verse 5).

That last statement deserves a bit more attention. We are told that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Our world is full of darkness these days. One does not have to look far to see it. Perhaps you live in a world of darkness. The thing about light is that it only takes a small light to vanquish the darkness. He came to bring light into the world, and that light exists in our hearts, no matter what we are going through, or where we find ourselves in life. When we turn to Him in faith, His light and love is shed abroad in our hearts. Though our circumstances may not change the darkness inside us can be expelled, and we can live in the freedom of the light.

After an introduction to the Father, we now turn to the One who was sent to reveal the Father’s very heart to us, the centerpiece of the Gospel, Jesus. Many know of Jesus, the baby in the manger that we celebrate at Christmas (though He was likely born in the fall…but I digress), to bring “peace on earth, good will to men.” Again, many know the Easter story of the empty tomb, that He rose from the dead.

But, do you really know Him?

Stop for a moment and consider that question. Many have their opinions of Him, and it’s hard to not pick up such opinions.

Admittedly, this will at best be an incomplete introduction. No written work can adequately describe Him. The only way to truly know Him is to get to know Him. After all, He is a living Person–and here we are getting ahead of ourselves.

We’re going to address two basic questions:  1) Who is Jesus?  2) What does He have to do with my life? 

These questions are addressed by a verse we looked at previously: John 3:16.  To refresh your memory:  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Looking at that verse, the brief answers to our questions are:

1) Jesus is God’s Son. (What does that even mean?)
2) Jesus came so that we could have”eternal life.” (What is eternal life, you ask?)