Portraits of John 1

As we begin John’s , it appears that we have entered into a different world. Matthew, Mark and Luke, while different from each other, are so similar in their overall telling of Jesus story that they are called the “synoptic ”, meaning that they “see with one eye”. John is different, very different, and that difference occurs right at the beginning.

For John, the story of Jesus does not begin in a manger in Bethlehem or a genealogy or an angelic visit to an elderly priest and young woman. No, the story begins before the dawn of time, pre-creation. Before time itself existed, John notes that the Word existed and that Word will become flesh incarnate, known to us as Jesus . John begins his gospel on a scale beyond infinity, beyond the universe and time as we know it, which in part is his way of saying that life, death and has cosmic consequences and is something that began before time and will extend through the end of time.

Using a word that would have been familiar to his Hellenistic audience, which is translated “word”, John informs us that the Word of God is present before creation, is through whom creation occurs, and is light that shines in the darkness. This idea of personified Word marks a shift from some Hellenistic circles, where the Word was powerful, but not innately divine. While in Genesis, God speaks and creation occurs, John has the Word standing with and by God. It is this pre-existent Word that becomes flesh dwelling among us that we know as Jesus Christ.

Many believe that John is written almost on two levels, full of irony and allegory. This means that those who believe Jesus is the living Word read/hear the differently than those who do not. (This can be seen in several places, but a helpful place is the woman at the well, who meets Jesus and hears him speak about living water. She does not grasp what Jesus is talking about and wonders how he can get water if he has no bucket. Those who trust Jesus, however, read/hear this story understanding that Jesus is talking about himself and the life he offers). These two levels can be seen at the beginning in the contrast between light and darkness, symbolic in part for those who understand Jesus and trust and those who do not trust. Those trusting in Jesus would read the gospel in such a way that their eyes are opened the they see the light shining in the darkness, while those who do not remain in darkness (see 1:10-12).

John moves us from the cosmic scale to a particular, earthly scale, by claiming the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” For John, this description “Immanuel” echoes the intent of the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke. God becomes flesh and blood, living among us. By using a word for “dwell” that harkens back to the tabernacle in the OT, the moveable presence of God that travels with the Israelites, John informs us that Christ is God “tabernacling” with us, travelling with us as we meet the world. For John, the beginning of the story reminds us that we are not alone, and that God travels with us on the journey. Key verses: 1:1-5 - 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 came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

Reflection Questions:

1. What one word would you use to describe the four different portraits of the birth of Jesus Christ in the four gospels? 2. Contemplate the journey of your life this past year. Where and how have you experienced “Emmanuel,” God with you?

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