“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” John 1:4 (NIV)
What a beautiful thought, to consider that in Jesus there is life—real life, abundant life, eternal life. John doesn’t merely say that Jesus has life; he says in Him was life. Life flows from Him like a spring bubbling up from the depths, pure and unending. He is the source, the sustainer, and the giver of all life. Without Jesus, there is no life at all.
The Source of All Life
“In him was life…”
When you think of the word life, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the breath in your lungs or the beating of your heart. Maybe it’s the green of the trees in spring or the laughter of a child. All of it—the physical life we experience and the spiritual life we long for—comes from one source: Jesus. The Gospel of John tells us right from the start that Jesus is the origin of life. He wasn’t created; He is the Creator. The same breath that breathed life into Adam’s nostrils came from Jesus. When the disciples saw Him raise Lazarus from the dead, they witnessed not a mere miracle, but the Giver of Life calling forth life itself.
Think about the areas in your life that perhaps feel lifeless. Maybe it’s a strained relationship or hope that feels dead. Jesus is still the Giver of Life. He can breathe new life into the broken parts of our stories. Invite Him into those places, and let His life bring healing, restoration, and renewal.
The Light of All Mankind
“…and that life was the light of all mankind.”
John’s imagery here is powerful. Life and light are intertwined in the person of Jesus. Where there is life, there is light. Just as the sun’s rays chase away the darkness of night, Jesus’ life brings light to the dark places of our world and our hearts. His light reveals truth, exposes lies, and guides us on the path of righteousness. Imagine a dark room suddenly illuminated by a single candle. The darkness cannot resist the light; it must retreat. That’s what Jesus does for us. His life is the light that shines into our spiritual darkness, bringing clarity and hope. When we believe in Him, we don’t just receive life—we also receive light to see the way forward.
Are you struggling to find your way right now? Maybe life feels uncertain, and the path ahead is shrouded in darkness. Jesus offers His light to guide you. Spend time in His Word, listen for His voice, and follow His leading. He promises to be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). Trust that His light will show you the way.
Spiritual and Eternal Life
The life Jesus offers is not just physical life; it’s spiritual and eternal. When Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life,” He wasn’t speaking metaphorically. He meant it. He holds the power to give life that doesn’t end—life that transcends death and stretches into eternity. Consider what that means for us. Without Jesus, we are spiritually dead, separated from God by sin. But in Jesus, we find life—true life that begins the moment we believe and continues forever. He doesn’t just offer a better life; He offers a new life. And this new life changes everything. It’s a life filled with purpose, hope, and joy, even in the midst of trials.
If you’ve been feeling spiritually drained or distant from God, remember that Jesus is the source of life. Come to Him with your emptiness, and let Him fill you. He is the vine; we are the branches. Apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But when we remain connected to Him, we find the fullness of life that our souls crave.
A Light That Overcomes the Darkness
John goes on to say in verse 5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus’ life is the light that no darkness can extinguish. He faced the greatest darkness imaginable—our sin brough Him death on a cross—and yet, He rose again, victorious and alive. His resurrection is the proof that His life and light are unstoppable. Think about the moments when life feels heavy and dark, when hope seems far away. Remember this truth: Jesus’ light shines even in the darkest night. It shines in hospital rooms, in prison cells, in the quiet moments of our deepest pain. And His light cannot be overcome.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the darkness of this world or the weight of your own struggles? Let Jesus be your light. Pray for His presence to shine into your situation. He promises that the darkness will not have the final say. Hold onto that promise, and let His light fill you with hope and peace.
Life That Cannot Be Taken Away
The life Jesus gives is eternal. It’s not dependent on circumstances, health, or wealth. It’s a life that’s rooted in His unchanging love. When Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” (John 10:10), He was inviting us into something deeper than just existence. He was offering us a life filled with meaning, joy, the assurance of His love and the promise of eternity.
Perhaps you could take a moment today to ask yourself today: Are you truly living, or just existing? Jesus wants you to experience the fullness of life that only He can give. It’s a life of freedom from the chains of sin, a life of purpose in His kingdom, and a life of unshakeable hope. Open your heart to Him and receive the life He offers. It’s the life you were made for.
In Jesus, there is life that never ends. He invites each of us to step into that life today. It’s not something we can earn or achieve; it’s a gift. He’s already done the work—He died and rose again to offer us this life. All we have to do is say yes. Jesus doesn’t just give life; He is life. When we accept Him, we receive a life that transforms us from the inside out. Let His life fill every part of your heart today. Trust Him with your past, your present, and your future, and watch as He brings beauty and light into every corner of your life.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being our source of life. We come to You with our emptiness, knowing that only You can fill us. Shine Your light into our hearts and lead us in Your way. Help us to live fully, connected to You, the Giver of Life. We surrender our fears and struggles to You, trusting that Your life is stronger than any darkness we face. Amen.