Ever wondered if you've been thinking about Jesus in a way that's far too small? What if the comfortable Sunday school version is just the beginning?
In this mind-expanding episode, John Harding takes us to the opening of John's Gospel - not to rehash familiar stories, but to encounter a Jesus who's bigger than our imagination. While other Gospel writers start with genealogies and prophecies, John begins with something that reshapes everything: "In the beginning was the Word."
This isn't ancient mythology - it's the most profound truth about reality itself. The same Jesus who taught in parables and walked on water is the eternal Word who spoke galaxies into existence. Understanding this doesn't just change your theology; it transforms your Monday morning, your work stress, and how you see your purpose in the world.
Journey with us through:
[00:00] Welcome to the Origin Series - John's Gospel and Acts
[05:05] John 1:1-13 - The Word made flesh
[08:35] Why John starts differently than other Gospel writers
[11:35] Jesus as the pre-existent Creator - mind-blowing implications
[14:36] How we find real life and what that actually means
[17:15] Why some received him and others rejected him
[24:18] Worship and reflection with "In Christ Alone"
[26:27] Conversation Street - unpacking the cosmic implications
John opens his biography of Jesus with the language of Genesis 1, revealing something most people miss about who Jesus really is.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made."
What we explore:
Key takeaway: Jesus isn't just part of creation - he's the Creator who spoke everything into existence.
Understanding that Jesus always has been and always will be, distinct from and superior to all creation.
"Jesus is outside of that... he was before all of that, the word in the beginning, the uncaused cause, the unmoved mover."
Deep dive into:
Key takeaway: The life of Jesus on Earth is what happens when pre-existent Creator God wraps himself in human flesh.
Exploring what it means that "in him was life" and how this transforms our understanding of being truly alive.
"Life is found in Jesus... the only reason that we have something rather than nothing... is because Jesus the word was there in the beginning orchestrating it all."
Practical implications:
Key takeaway: When you find Jesus, you find life - because he is the source and origin of all life.
