Day 199: John 1:1–5

Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it (vv. 4–5).

Many inspired men in Scripture confessed the glorious gain of pursuing God, but few can compete with our very own apostle John. In the totality of John’s writings and in a comparison of his Gospel with the three synoptics, John has more to say about the concepts of life, light, love, truth, glory, signs, and belief than anyone else in the entire New Testament.

John has overwhelmingly more to say about God as Father than any other inspired writer. In fact, out of 248 New Testament references to God as Father, John penned 130. In impressive balance, John also has more to say about God and the world than any other inspired writer. Of the New Testament references to the world, 103 out of 206 are John’s. I could go on with many examples.

My point? It’s certainly not that his Gospel is better than others. Each was inspired just as God perfectly intended. The point is that in length of life and depth of love, John discovered the concept of “more.” In fact, I’m convinced that a nutshell explanation for John’s entire experience and perspective is intimated in one of the most profound statements of Christ ever dictated to him. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10 hcsb).

Do you realize that Christ wants you to have a great life? Don’t confuse great with no challenges, hardships, or even suffering. In fact, the greatest parts of my life experience have been overcoming the overwhelming in the power of the Holy Spirit. When we lay down these lives of ours, God wants us to be able to say we lived them fully. We didn’t miss a thing He had for us. We had a blast with God. Just like John.

Jesus offered a lot of life; John took Him up on it. Jesus shed a lot of light; John chose to walk in it. Jesus revealed a lot of glory; John chose to behold it. Jesus delivered a lot of truth; John believed it. Jesus shed a lot of blood; John felt covered by it. Jesus lavished a lot of love; John received it. Jesus is full of everything we could ever need or desire. Thankfully, many receive, but others receive more abundantly. John was one of those.