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 are made through Him, and without Him was not anything 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

Without going any further, just here at the end of verse 5, the Bible reader knows who John is talking about. Even if it isn’t fully understood why John uses the term “Word,” we know He is talking about Jesus Christ. Think of it like this. Who was in the beginning? Who was with God? Who is God? The rest of the New Testament answers – Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is uncreated, eternal, divine and was active with God in creation. And, should there be any doubt about who John is identifying, verse 14 states clearly – that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John begins with these propositions about who Jesus Christ is. It is like he meets visitors in the foyer and says “here is what this place is all about.” Or, a lawyer makes his opening statement: here is what I’m going to prove about Jesus Christ.

It also may occur to the reader – that this New Testament book begins like the first book in the Old Testament. “In the beginning.” But that’s more than just a literary observation. Verse 3 affirms that “all things were made through” Jesus Christ. It is entirely in keeping with Bible truth to describe Jesus Christ as the “Creator.” He is so designated in Hebrews chapter one and in Colossians chapter one.

Another Genesis one connection. We are familiar with the historical truth that God said, “let there be light, and there was light.” That was physical light. John says that Jesus is the light of men. Sin puts the sinner in the dark. Jesus became flesh, lived and died and was raised – so that we can get out of the dark.

The illumination man needs to see hope and see God is – THE WORD, who became flesh, and who is later described in John as “the light of the world.” After this prologue, John brings witnesses to the stand and offers solid historical evidence, that can lead the reader to faith and the activity of faith.