Not the Light, But A Testimony Thereunto

Is theology interruptable?

These first fourteen verses of John’s gospel are rich. Deeply rich.

The verses about John the Baptist in the middle of them can really seem out of place. John’s written this incredibly rich theology concerning Christ and the establishment of light in the darkness. Then, culminating in the last verse with the grand entrance of Christ, it all comes together in the incarnation. Boom! God has made his home among us.

But why the John the Baptist excursion. Sometimes, this passage is even read skipping verses 6-8. They could have been written after the final verse of the Christological hymn.

But maybe their placement is intentional. Maybe in the very middle of all God’s deep, theological work are people like you and me. We are not the light, but we testify to the light all around us. After all, it is John, you, and me for which the incarnation was formed and shaped.

John 1:1-14

In the beginning was the Word
    and the Word was with God
    and the Word was God.
The Word was with God in the beginning.
Everything came into being through the Word,
    and without the Word
    nothing came into being.
What came into being
    through the Word was life,
    and the life was the light for all people.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.

A man named John was sent from God. He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. He himself wasn’t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light.

The true light that shines on all people
    was coming into the world.
The light was in the world,
    and the world came into being through the light,
        but the world didn’t recognize the light.
The light came to his own people,
    and his own people didn’t welcome him.
But those who did welcome him,
        those who believed in his name,
    he authorized to become God’s children,
        born not from blood
        nor from human desire or passion,
        but born from God.
The Word became flesh
    and made his home among us.
We have seen his glory,
    glory like that of a father’s only son,
        full of grace and truth.

Prayer

God,

I’m realizing - maybe remembering - just how much of a faith statement it is to believe and say that Jesus is the all-in-all, the beginning and end, the lens through which I should see and know and live concerning everything about you and your intentions for all of creation.

Frankly, the Bible itself and on its own is a lot easier, pragmatically-speaking. Laws are clearer. Boundaries are more easily discernible. Codes and lists of conformities…they just make things more palatable (when they benefit me, at least).

But Jesus…this person you sent…it takes faith and energy and trust to be in relationship with him.

So help me, God. For as easy as strict adherence to codes and laws is, I loathe where they often take us, to the exclusion of others. And I know believe that’s not what you want. For in Christ, I see no such thing. So do in me the same.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.