Day 1 - In at the deep end

Reading: John 1:1-18

“Never forget that the entire course of a story or novel, like an avalanche, is largely defined within its first seconds. To craft a compelling story, you must first launch it in the right direction.” 

Jacob M. Appel

The writer of John’s gospel begins by launching us in at the deep end!

Matthew, Mark and Luke begin by placing the account of Jesus in a particular time, place and setting.  In a sense they start ‘small’ and we grow to understand the huge significance of Jesus as we read on. John, on the other hand, starts with Jesus, as ‘the Word’, at the dawn of time and then tells us that the Word was God.

When we read the words ‘In the beginning …’ we are supposed to make a link with the start of Genesis. Very often, books of the Old Testament were known by their opening words, so by starting John’s gospel with these words we are invited to re-think our understanding of Jesus in the light of our knowledge of all of creation and the creator God.

And that’s just verse 1!

If you gave me a choice of any passage in the Bible and said I had to preach one sermon for each verse, one verse a week, I would pick these 18 verses, John 1:1-18. Each verse seems to contain a fresh truth to dwell on and consider. You can also read each verse in turn and ask, “What does this particular verse teach me about Jesus?”

Please read the verses again and take time to pause, reflecting on each line. Ask our God to guide you to see which verse is your ‘sermon’ for today. For me, today, it’s verse 12:

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Just as today’s opening passage repeats the word ‘light,’ may our God of light guide us all.

Response

Let’s pray today for encouragement for everyone taking part in these readings and take strength from the fact that others are praying for us.

Ken