The Word Who Is God
“He is the stairway between heaven and earth—the One who brings heaven near.”
John's Gospel opens with breathtaking clarity—Jesus is not just a teacher, prophet, or even a great man. He is the eternal Word who was with God and is God. John doesn’t ease us in gently—he unveils the divine mystery from the start: Jesus is the Light of the world, the Creator of all things, the One through whom life itself exists. This Word, full of grace and truth, became flesh and dwelt among us—not as a shadow or symbol, but in personal, relational presence.
Through this lens, the entire Gospel is to be read: the cosmic struggle between light and darkness, the unrecognized visitation of God to His own creation, and the supernatural birth of those who believe in His name. John the Baptist—though revered—knew his place as merely a voice preparing the way. He pointed beyond himself to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Jesus' identity unfolds as others encounter Him: Lamb of God, Rabbi, Messiah, Son of God, King of Israel, Son of Man. And rather than people seeking Him out, Jesus initiates—He sees, He calls, He reveals. From the tabernacle imagery of dwelling with His people to the stairway imagery of connecting heaven and earth, Jesus is shown to be the fulfillment and surpassing substance of every Old Testament foreshadowing.
Personalized Journal Entry — The Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
In the beginning was the Word, and I was with God, and I was God. All things came into being through Me, and apart from Me, not one thing came into being. In Me was life, and My life is the light of all mankind. I entered the world I had made, and though it did not recognize Me, I gave the right to become children of God to all who received Me—those who believed in My name.
I became flesh and made My dwelling among you. I did not arrive distant or aloof, but pitched My tent in your wilderness and radiated the glory of the Father—glory full of grace and truth. From My fullness you received grace upon grace, not a meager trickle but an unceasing cascade. The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Me.
No one has ever seen God, but I, the only Son from the Father’s side, have made Him known. John the Baptist bore witness to Me. He cried out, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because He was before me.” He knew his place—he was not the Light, but came to point others to Me.
And then I walked by. John said it again: “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Two men followed, drawn not merely by words, but by My Spirit. I turned and asked, “What are you seeking?” They responded with curiosity and hunger—and I invited them to come and see. That invitation still echoes through time.
I called Simon and renamed him Peter, for I saw the future I had planned for him. I called Philip, and he called Nathanael, who doubted at first—but I knew him. I saw him before he saw Me, just as I saw you. And I said, “You will see greater things… angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” I am the ladder, the bridge between heaven and earth. I am your access, your life, your light, and your truth.
(Scripture references woven from John 1:1–51)
Prayer of Confident Trust
Jesus, You are the Light who broke into my darkness—not as a flicker, but as the very dawn of grace. You did not wait for me to find You; You came to find me. You called me, revealed Yourself to me, and gave me new birth. I trust You to continue showing me greater things, not because I deserve more, but because Your grace is inexhaustible.
You’ve already bridged the gap between heaven and earth in Yourself. You’ve made me a child of God by Your initiative and by Your Spirit. I won’t strain to see You—I will simply walk in the light You have already given and trust Your Word to reveal the next step. Thank You for making Your home in me. I rest in the grace and truth You’ve already poured out in abundance.
Devotional credit: Grace and Truth Study Bible
Photo credit: Unsplash