John and the Gospel of life

Disciplined preparation
Nestled strategically in the opening paragraph of John's gospel are two great themes that will capture his interest throughout the narrative-- that of life and light. We see it initially in verse 4, " In him was life...", and we see it at the end of the gospel; " ...But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name." (John 20:30) And, it appears throughout the exposition: " I have come that they might have life...I am the way the truth, and the life..." (John 10:10a; 14:6)
How can this help me? Three thoughts come to mind.
1. Jesus is the origin of all physical life. As the co-equal and co-eternal 2nd member of the trinity, he was present at creation and responsible for speaking our world into existence. (John1:3; Col.1:16-17)

2. Jesus is the sole provider of eternal life. Try as we might in our own strength to find peace, satisfaction, and meaning, He alone offers life that is eternal and redemptive in its scope.

Which leads me to the third thought...

3. Jesus provides us with life that is appealing and life meant to be lived out abundantly... all before a world that is groping about on its own. John writes,

" I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly."(John 10:10)

But what is this abundant life? How is it attained... equally as vital... how is it sustained?
As mentioned, Jesus is the answer and his word is our toolbox. More than likely, we have read the 23rd Psalm, or heard it quoted:

"He makes me lie down in green pastures..."
How is an abundant life possible in a world so fixed upon such a frenzied pace?

We return to a world of sheep and shepherds for some answers. Unlike sheep, who cannot satisfy their hunger for grass unless standing, we have the ability to nourish our weary souls from the life spring that is found in Jesus; all the while, resting in him and his green pastures. And so, John says, "In him was life, and that life, was the light of the world." We will illuminate that topic, next time.
Pastor Mark