John 1:1-18
1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
Reflection
The introduction of the book of John is like the opening movement of a grand symphony. It is meant to grab our attention and draw us into the story—the story of all stories. The apostle John sets the stage for the presentation of the gospel by highlighting the main plot line and central themes of the entire Bible —creation (John 1:1–4), the fall (vv. 5, 10–11), and salvation (vv. 9–13), all of which point to the person and work of Jesus (see also vv. 23, 29).
Who is Jesus? This is John’s main question and the quest we are invited to join as we read John’s account. Jesus is eternally one with the Father—the very Word of God (vv. 1–2), through whom God created all things (vv. 3–4). Amazingly, John tells us that the Word became flesh (v. 14)—God became man, yet Jesus never ceased being God. Rather, Jesus came to reveal the Father to us, as only God himself can do. Those who see Jesus for who he really is have been born from above and have become members of God’s family as a gift of God’s grace (vv. 9–13), not because of their own doing.
2 Timothy 2:14-26
14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Reflection
As Timothy guards God’s people against false teachers, he must be a different type of person than these imposters. Not only must he handle God’s Word properly (2 Tim. 2:15), but he must also live a credible lifestyle that reflects the character of God (vv. 22–23). Even as he confronts the false ideas these men are promoting, he must do so with kindness, patiently enduring the evil of these men (v. 24) and correcting them with “gentleness” (v. 25).
Jesus wants his people to be devoted to the truth, but he also wants us to genuinely care for others—even our enemies (Matt. 5:44). Just as Jesus lovingly confronts our false notions of who he is, we should be a community of followers who are devoted to “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). Often this is the very means by which Jesus rescues those who are recklessly plunging toward self-destruction (2 Tim. 2:25–26).
Psalm 103:8
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Be careful that you don’t harbor hatred for those who are opposed to the gospel. Pray for them and ask God to give you a heart of mercy, remembering that his mercy is the only reason we are not opposed to the gospel ourselves.