How does Genesis 1:3 connect to John 1:1-5 about Jesus as Light? Gathering the Texts “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” 1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Key Observations in Genesis 1:3 • God speaks—His word is the active agent of creation. • Light is the very first created reality; it pierces primeval darkness. • The verse records an immediate, literal result: “and there was light.” • Light sets the pattern for separating, ordering, and sustaining all subsequent creation. Key Observations in John 1:1-5 • “The Word” refers to the pre-existent Son—Jesus Christ. • He is fully God (“the Word was God”) yet distinct in person (“with God”). • Creation occurs “through Him”; He is not a passive instrument but the divine Agent. • “Life” and “light” are inseparably linked in Him. • The light actively “shines” and is victorious—darkness cannot overpower it. Linking Genesis 1:3 to John 1:1-5 1. Same Beginning • Genesis opens with “In the beginning”; John echoes the phrase to show continuity. • John identifies the divine Speaker of Genesis 1:3 as the Word—Jesus. 2. Same Creative Word • In Genesis, God’s spoken word produces light. • John locates that powerful, creative word in the eternal Son. 3. Light as First Revelation • Physical light dispels literal darkness at creation. • Jesus, as Light, dispels spiritual darkness, revealing God’s nature and purpose. 4. Life/Light Connection • Genesis light makes life on earth possible. • John states “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men”—Jesus is both the source and sustainer of life. 5. Ongoing Triumph • Genesis records no resistance to light—darkness simply gives way. • John emphasizes continuous victory: “the darkness has not overcome it.” Truths About Jesus as Light • He is eternal, not created; yet He brings creation into existence. • He embodies both illumination (truth) and vitality (life). • His light is active—shining, revealing, guiding. • Darkness—whether chaos, sin, or death—cannot extinguish Him. Living in the Light • Trust His Word: the same voice that said “Let there be light” still speaks with authority. • Walk in His illumination: allow Scripture to expose and correct areas of darkness. • Reflect His light: as creation reflects the Creator’s order, believers mirror Christ’s character. • Rest in His victory: no present darkness can overturn the Light who has already shone from the very first verse of Scripture. |
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