John 1:4

Letters to the Faithful - John 1:4

Berean Standard Bible

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.

King James Bible

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Greek Text:

ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν, καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἦν τὸ φῶς τῶν ἀνθρώπων.

Transliteration:

en autō zōē ēn, kai hē zōē ēn to phōs tōn anthrōpōn.

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In Him was life

This phrase emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus Christ, affirming that He is the source of all life. In the context of the Gospel of John, "life" often refers to both physical and spiritual life. The concept of life in Christ is foundational, as seen in Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into man. Jesus is portrayed as the Creator (John 1:3), and thus, the origin of life itself. This aligns with Colossians 1:16-17, which states that all things were created through Him and for Him. Theologically, this underscores the belief in Jesus as the sustainer of life, both in the natural and spiritual realms.

and that life was the light of men

The imagery of light is significant throughout Scripture, symbolizing purity, truth, and divine revelation. In the cultural context of the time, light was a powerful metaphor for knowledge and understanding, contrasting with darkness, which represented ignorance and evil. This phrase suggests that the life found in Jesus brings enlightenment to humanity, revealing the truth of God and His salvation plan. Psalm 36:9 states, "For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light," highlighting the connection between life and light. Jesus later declares Himself as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 9:2, which speaks of a great light shining on those living in darkness. This light is not only guidance but also the moral and spiritual illumination that leads to eternal life.

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Beloved in Christ, grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world and the Life of all creation. I write to you, scattered across the nations, bound together by the eternal Word, to meditate upon a truth that pierces the darkness and kindles hope in every heart: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). Let us linger here, in the radiance of this divine revelation, for it is no mere utterance but a beacon that unveils the mystery of God’s purpose and presence among us. As the Apostle John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, opens his Gospel, he draws us into the eternal reality of the Word—the Logos—who was with God, who was God, and through whom all things were made. Yet it is this verse, this luminous declaration, that anchors our contemplation: in the Word, in Christ, there is life, and this life is the very light that illuminates humanity. O what a marvel, that the Creator Himself should become the source of our vitality and the flame that guides our path!

Consider, dear brothers and sisters, the weight of this truth. Life is not a fleeting breath, nor a mere span of years, but an eternal gift rooted in the person of Christ. In Him, life is not diminished by the frailties of our mortal frame or the shadows of a fallen world. No, in Him is life—abundant, unending, and radiant with divine purpose. This life is not a distant promise, reserved for some future age, but a present reality, pulsating within those who receive Him. Have you not felt, in moments of quiet communion, the stirring of this life within you? It is the breath of God, the same Spirit that hovered over the waters at creation, now dwelling in you, making you alive in ways the world cannot comprehend. For this life is not of the flesh, but of the Spirit; it is not bound by time, but eternal; it is not earned, but freely given through the grace of our Savior.

And behold, this life is the light of men. What a profound mystery, that the life of Christ should shine forth as light! In the beginning, God spoke, “Let there be light,” and the cosmos was bathed in His glory. Yet here, John proclaims a greater light—not the sun that warms the earth, nor the stars that adorn the heavens, but the uncreated Light of Christ, who scatters the darkness of sin, ignorance, and despair. This light is not for one people, one nation, or one era, but for all humanity, from every tribe and tongue. It is a light that reveals truth, exposes falsehood, and guides the weary soul to the Father’s embrace. Have you not seen its beams in the kindness of a stranger, the forgiveness of a friend, or the courage of the persecuted? This light shines in the testimony of the saints, in the pages of Scripture, and in the quiet promptings of the Spirit, calling us to walk in holiness and love.

Yet, let us not be deceived, for the darkness of this world resists this light. John himself testifies that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The powers of sin, death, and the evil one wage war against this divine radiance, seeking to obscure its brilliance. We see it in the hatred that divides, the greed that consumes, and the pride that blinds. Even within our own hearts, shadows linger—doubts that whisper, fears that grip, and temptations that lure us from the path. But take heart, beloved! The light of Christ is not a flickering candle, easily extinguished, but an eternal flame, unquenched and unconquerable. The life that is in Him is stronger than death, brighter than any darkness, and more enduring than the schemes of the adversary. For He who is the Light has triumphed on the cross, risen from the grave, and ascended to the right hand of the Father, securing for us a victory that cannot be undone.

Therefore, I urge you, walk in this light. Let the life of Christ, which is your light, shape your thoughts, your words, and your deeds. Do not hide this light under a basket, but let it shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. In a world shrouded in confusion and despair, be bearers of this divine life. Speak truth with gentleness, serve with humility, and love with the selflessness of Christ, who gave Himself for us. When trials come, as they surely will, cling to the promise that the life in Him sustains you, and His light guides you. When you stumble, remember that His life forgives, and His light restores. And when you gather with the saints, whether in great cathedrals or humble homes, proclaim this truth with one voice: that in Christ is life, and this life is the light of all people.

O beloved, how can we not marvel at the grace that has brought us into this light? Once we were darkness, but now we are light in the Lord. Once we were dead in our trespasses, but now we are alive in Christ. This is not our doing, but the gift of God, who sent His Son to be the life and light of the world. Let us then live as children of light, bearing witness to the One who is our source, our sustenance, and our hope. May this truth dwell richly in you, transforming you from glory to glory, until that day when we see Him face to face, and His light consumes every shadow, and His life fills all things. Until then, abide in Him, shine forth His glory, and proclaim His name to all who dwell in darkness.

Now to Him who is the Life, the Light, and the Eternal Word, be glory, honor, and power, forever and ever. Amen.

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O Eternal and Almighty God, Father of all creation, whose Word is life and whose Son is the Light of the world, we bow before Your throne of grace with hearts lifted in awe and adoration. In the radiance of Your presence, we meditate on the truth of Your holy Word, which declares, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). O Lord, what a mystery, what a mercy, that in Your Son, Jesus Christ, You have poured forth the fountain of life and kindled the flame that illumines every soul who seeks You! To You, O God, we offer this prayer, uniting our voices across the earth, from every nation, tribe, and tongue, as we seek Your face and plead for Your Spirit to move mightily among us.

We praise You, O Father, for the life that resides in Your Son, the Eternal Word, who was with You in the beginning, through whom all things were made. This life is no mere breath, no fading spark, but the very essence of Your divine being, boundless, unchanging, and overflowing with grace. We stand in wonder that You have shared this life with us, unworthy as we are, through the gift of Your Son. O Christ, You are the Life that quickens our spirits, that raises us from the death of sin, that sustains us through every trial, and that promises us eternity in Your presence. We confess that apart from You, we are but dust, lost in the shadows of our own making. Yet in You, we are made alive, filled with the breath of Your Spirit, and called to walk as children of Your kingdom.

O Light of the World, we glorify You, for the life in You is the light of all humanity. Your radiance scatters the darkness of ignorance, despair, and evil, revealing the truth of Your love and the beauty of Your holiness. We pray, O Lord, that this light would shine brightly in our hearts, exposing every hidden sin, healing every wound, and guiding us into the way of righteousness. Let Your light pierce the gloom that envelops this world—where hatred festers, where injustice prevails, where souls wander far from Your truth. Send forth Your Spirit, we beseech You, to awaken those who dwell in darkness, to draw them to the warmth of Your Son’s redeeming love. May Your Church, Your chosen people, be a beacon of this light, reflecting Your glory in acts of compassion, words of hope, and lives of unwavering faith.

Merciful God, we lift before You those among us who are weary, who feel the weight of life’s burdens, who struggle to see Your light amidst their pain. Pour out the life of Christ upon them, that they may know Your strength in their weakness, Your peace in their turmoil, and Your presence in their loneliness. For the grieving, grant comfort; for the doubting, grant faith; for the oppressed, grant deliverance. Let the life that is in Your Son flow through them like a river, renewing their spirits and restoring their hope. And for those who have yet to know You, O Lord, we pray that Your light would break through their defenses, that they might behold the beauty of Christ and receive the life He offers.

O Holy One, we ask that You would make us vessels of Your life and bearers of Your light. Guard us from the temptations that seek to dim Your radiance within us—pride that blinds, fear that shrinks, and selfishness that obscures Your glory. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may live boldly for You, proclaiming the good news of Your Son to a world in need. Teach us to love as You love, to serve as You serve, and to shine as You shine, that others may see our good works and give glory to You, our Father in heaven. Unite Your Church, O God, that we may stand as one body, radiating the life and light of Christ, undaunted by the darkness that surrounds us, for we know that the darkness has not, and never will, overcome Your Son.

We pray, O Lord, for the day when Your light will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Until that glorious day, keep us steadfast in Your truth, rooted in Your life, and ablaze with Your light. May our lives be a living prayer, a ceaseless offering of praise to You, who are the source of all life and the fountain of all light. Hear us, O God, through the merits of Your Son, our Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.