In the Beginning

January 1

John begins his Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” John 1:1 (CSB)

Right out of the gate, John recalls the first chapter of Genesis, which states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” Genesis 1:1–2 (CSB)

Genesis 1:1 tells us that God created everything. John 1:3 tells us that the Word (Jesus) created everything. Genesis 1:2 completes the picture of a Triune God—One God in three persons—by telling us that the Spirit of God was present as He hovered over the earth’s surface.

John unapologetically introduces us to Jesus, Who was not only the unique Son of God, but also God the Son. John says that Jesus was God Who had become a human being. This is called the Incarnation and is based on John 1:14…

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Our somewhat chronological reading through the New Testament begins with the Gospel of John because John introduces us to Jesus in a unique way. Whereas the other Gospel writers introduce us to Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2 and Luke 2), and Mark jumps straight into Jesus’ ministry, John begins with the revelation that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. This is a powerful distinction!

While the other three Gospel writers present a generally historical account of Jesus’ life, John shares more of a theological one. In short, the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us about the Kingdom of God, but the book of John focuses more on the King Himself.

Application

Jesus can relate to us as humans. Why? Because He became one of us, John says. So, He understands temptations, and He proved that experiencing temptations is not the same as committing sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

This month, as we read through John’s Gospel, we will see the sinless Son of God, and that we are sinners. But we will also see that God forgives everyone who puts their faith in Jesus because He was God’s perfect sacrifice.

© Copyright 2026 Craig Beaman