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 1:1-5
What right does John have to speak about the beginning? It’s surprising John has the gall to make any claims about the pre-existence of our world, let alone in reference to a man named Jesus. He speaks with authority in a way that goes beyond his human status and authority, yet he is boldly confident as he poetically describes Jesus as the light of the world.
If you blink past this text, you just might miss it.
Light. What an incredible element. John knew light existed in the beginning. He would have learned that early in Hebrew school. So, where would he get the connection between light and Jesus? Perhaps, in the glimpses of glory he experienced with him on earth. Perhaps the moments where Jesus commanded the seas to calm, the bread to multiply, or the blind to see.
I’m not sure what exactly gave John the idea of Jesus as light, but it’s the best illustration for the Trinity! When our eyes receive light we receive it in three wavelengths – red, green, and blue. Together they make white light. Take a few minutes to imagine God in three wavelengths joining together in his very first creation, light. Sit with the reality that the same Jesus who wept and bledwith us was pre-existent to light being created.
By Yvonne Biel
