The Word of Life
For Meditation
This week we’re beginning a new series on the book of 1 John called The God of Light and Love. 1 John is the first of three short letters believed to have been written by the apostle John, author of the Gospel of John. In this letter, Jesus is addressing a conflict that has arisen amongst a group of regional house churches that he oversees, probably in Ephesus at the end of the first century. A group of former church members have left due to differing beliefs. This group of separatists weren’t quiet about their change of mind, but instead they were really trying to stir up trouble for those who chose to stay.
John could have chosen to write a polemic whitepaper outlining the orthodox Christian doctrine, urging the church members to debate and defeat these separatists for the sake of truth. Instead, John writes a pastoral letter that goes to the heart of who Jesus is: the God of light and love. John believed that focusing on the character and identity of Jesus–actually knowing him as a person and being transformed by him–is the only way to really transform the hearts of those who disagree with us.
In preparation for worship, read 1 John 1:1-4, which is the introduction to this letter. Take a moment to consider, and even write down in a few words or sentences, how you would describe the character of Jesus to someone who doesn’t know him.
1 John 1:1–4
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.