How does John 1:15 affirm Jesus' preexistence and divinity in your life? Scripture Focus “John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, ‘This is He of whom I said, “He who comes after me has surpassed me, because He was before me.”’ ” (John 1:15) Core Truths Drawn from the Verse • “He comes after me” – Jesus’ birth in time followed John the Baptist’s. • “He has surpassed me” – Jesus holds supremacy over John and every created being. • “He was before me” – Jesus existed prior to His incarnation, pointing to eternal preexistence. • The combination of sequence (after), superiority (surpassed), and eternity (before) declares a Person who steps into history yet stands outside of it. Scriptural Echoes That Confirm the Claim • John 1:1-3 – “In the beginning was the Word… all things were made through Him.” • John 8:58 – “Before Abraham was born, I am.” • Colossians 1:15-17 – “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” • Hebrews 1:3 – “He is the radiance of God’s glory… sustaining all things by His powerful word.” Preexistence Applied Personally • Assurance of Eternal Stability – Because Christ predates creation, He outlasts every crisis you face. • Anchor for Identity – Union with the One who “was before” frees you from defining yourself by temporary circumstances. • Confidence in Scripture’s Storyline – The Old and New Testaments unite around the same eternal Son, underscoring the reliability of every promise you claim. Divinity Applied Personally • Worship That Centers on Jesus – His divine nature demands the full-hearted adoration reserved for God alone (Revelation 5:12-13). • Trust in a Sovereign Savior – The One who existed before time directs time; therefore, surrendering plans to Him is the most rational choice. • Unshakable Forgiveness – Only a divine, eternal Christ can bear sin’s infinite penalty (2 Corinthians 5:21). Living Implications Today • Approach Scripture expecting to meet the preexistent Lord on every page. • Face future uncertainties remembering that the One “before” all things already inhabits your tomorrow. • Speak of Jesus with the same reverent boldness John displayed—pointing others to the surpassing worth of the eternal Son. |
    |