Based on John 1:1-5 (New King James Version)
“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 nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
As an introduction, the Apostle John wrote the Gospel of John, and he wrote it much after the Lord died, between the years 90-100 AD. It is believed that it was the last of the four gospels written with the purpose to reestablish who Jesus was, to be able to affirm the faith of many. During this time, the falling away had already entered the church, those teachings that plant doubt on who Christ was, and whether He was a man or something else. One of the things that makes this gospel so valuable, apart from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is the person of John and his experiences. But of course, not to take away any value from the other gospels, because in the end, the four gospels illustrate the life of the Lord cumulatively. The Apostle John was the most intimate with the Lord, who was also the most faithful in all aspects. He was one of the first called. He lived with the Lord during His entire ministry here on earth. He saw everything the Lord did, every instant. He was part of the internal nucleus, together with Peter and James, by even seeing the transfiguration of the Lord, and the appearing of Elijah and Moses. Furthermore, he followed the Lord when he was arrested, while others fled. He was the only one of the chosen disciples that stood at the feet of the cross while others saw from far away. He saw in person the empty tomb. He saw the apparitions of the Lord after He was resurrected, even His ascension to heaven, to the Righthand of God. John saw it all. And after he wrote this gospel, John saw and wrote about the end, the book of Revelation, dictated and revealed by the Lord Himself. John’s experiences were unique and irrefutable.
Now then, to the most important issue: Who exactly is Jesus? As we read in today’s passage, Jesus was 100% Man, but also, 100% God. The Lord Jesus is God (Luke 1:46, 47, Romans 9:5, Hebrews 13:8). He is the Word or the action of God. He is the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32). He is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16-17). He is the Lord, King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16, Romans 10:9). He is the Savior (Luke 2:11, Matthew 1:21). He is the Lamb of God (John 1:29, Revelation 22:1-4). He is the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed who was prophesied of and announced (Isaiah 7:14) and fulfilled (Luke 1:26-35, John 1:41). His Throne is at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 8:1, 12:2, Acts 7:55). The list is never-ending with the different names and manifestations as God, Lord, and Savior. The Son is the only one that has had contact with man since the creation. His work is to glorify and exalt the Father in His Holy, Pure, and Perfect Love in obedience and fulfillment (John 8:28, 29, Hebrews 5:7-10). He, His person, is what makes existence possible for everything: “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17. In summary, as God, He is everything.
Even though the cross is the universal symbol for the Christian faith, we need to stop envisioning the Lord on that cross. He did die for all humanity, extremely humbling Himself as God, but He is no longer that humble man from Galilee that was killed for our sins. He is sitting at His real position right this moment (which is fearful, far beyond what we can imagine). It is truly incomprehensible what He is and where He is.
Now, the most important thing out of all of this personally is: What is He to you? Whatever you believe or don’t believe does not affect His existence in the least. He is and shall continue being what He is, independent of what you think or believe of Him. The universe may be affected; the stars, the planets, and even this very small world we live in, but He is immovable, and His throne is forever and ever. But, each one of us are finite, insignificant, and of little value. And depending on how you see Him is what determines your value in the grand scheme of things. If you become not only someone that believes in Him, but more importantly, His disciple, following Him faithfully, that is what will determine your eternity and your value. But at the same time, if you neither believe or follow Him, no memory of your existence will remain, and it will be like you never existed. And even worse, you will be lost eternally and forever, where your existence (if it can be called that) will be the second death, the eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth.
So then, through the decision you take; believing and following Him, or not believing and not following Him, will determine what will become of you. So, who is Jesus to you? Lord bless! John