In The Beginning Was The Word

Morning Manna – Episode 1: In the Beginning Was the Word (John 1:1–14)

In the first episode of Morning Manna, we explore John 1:1–14 and discover the eternal Word who was with God and is God. This powerful passage reveals Jesus as the source of life, the Light that overcomes darkness, and the Word made flesh who came to dwell among us. Join us as we reflect on the hope, grace, and truth found in Christ and what it means to receive Him by faith.

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Welcome to the Morning Manna Podcast. Thank you for joining me. As we open God's Word together, today we're looking at one of the most powerful messages in the entire Bible John chapter one, verse one through fifteen. These verses introduce us to Jesus, not simply as a great teacher or prophet, but as the eternal Son of God. Let's begin with prayer. Heavenly Father, as we study these verses today, help us to see Jesus more clearly and understand who He truly is. Open our hearts to receive your truth and to strengthen our faith as we grow closer to you. In Jesus' name, amen. John begins with these incredible words In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Immediately we're reminded of Genesis one and one. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. John wants us to know that before creation, before time, before anything existed, Jesus already was. Notice John doesn't say the Word came into existence. He said the Word was. Jesus has always existed. Bethlehem wasn't his beginning, it was his entrance into the world as a man. John calls Jesus the Word. Just as our words reveal our thoughts and character, Jesus perfectly reveals the Father. If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus. He is God's perfect revelation to humanity. Verse three tells us all things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. Everything we see, the stars, oceans, mountains, and every living creature was created through Christ. Think about that for a moment the one who later walked the dusty roads of Galilee is the very one who spoke the universe into existence. The true should fill our hearts with worship. Our Savior isn't merely part of creation, he is the creator. John continues by saying In him was life, and the life was a light of men. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. Light always overcomes darkness, even the smallest candle changes the dark room. In the same way Jesus brings hope into the world darkened by sin. No matter how dark life may seem, Christ's light still shines. His grace is greater than our failures, and his truth is stronger than the darkness around us. John then introduces John the Baptist. His mission wasn't to draw attention to himself, but to point people to Jesus. That's an important reminder for us today. Our lives should point others toward Christ, whether through our words, our actions, or our love for others, we are called to reflect his light in the world. Like John the Baptist, our message should always be look to Jesus. Verses ten and eleven tell us something heartbreaking. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came into his own, and his own received him not. Imagine the creator walking among his creation and being rejected. Sadly this still happens today. Many know about Jesus but have never truly received him as their Lord and Savior. But John doesn't end with rejection, he gives us one of the greatest promises in Scripture, but to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them who believed on His name. Salvation isn't earned through good works or religious activity, it is received by faith in Christ Jesus. When we trust Him, we are adopted into God's family. We become His children, not because of what we've done, but because of His amazing grace. Then we come to one of the greatest verses in the Bible. Verse fourteen says and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. God didn't remain distant from humanity, He came to us. Jesus experienced life as we do. He knew hunger, weariness, sorrow, and temptation, yet he lived without sin. John says we have seen his glory, full of grace and truth. I love that description. Jesus is full of both grace and truth. He never compromised God's truth, but he always extended God's grace. As his followers, we're called to do the same. John's opening words remind us that Jesus is eternal, divine, creator, Savior, and the light of the world. As you go through this week, remember these truths. When life feels uncertain, Jesus is still sovereign. When darkness surrounds you, his light still shines. When you feel unworthy, his grace is sufficient. And when you wonder if God cares, remember that the Word became flesh and lived among us because of His great love. Father, thank you for sending Jesus the eternal word into our world. Thank you for the grace, His truth, and His sacrifice for us. Help us to walk in His light, trust Him more deeply, and point others to Him each day. May our lives reflect His love and bring glory to your name. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus, the true light who still shines in the darkness.