Psalm 106, John 1:1-14: Introductions & Preparation

There are 400 years between the last words of Malachi and the birth of Christ. Four-hundred years of silence from God. No prophets. Seemingly no rescue. The Persians fell to the Romans, and the Jews just switched masters. Where was God? It certainly would seem that He had forgotten them. Except, He had left them with a promise-- "I will send my messenger..."

There is still hope of rescue, and John 1 sets the stage. As you read, can you hear the echo of Genesis 1 in the words of John? We are starting over. Something new is about to happen! Perhaps-- a New Creation is being introduced?

And the messenger of this new creation, John the Baptist, was preparing the way for Jesus. Seeking out and teaching those who would listen to the words of God. The first prophet of God to speak to His people in 400 years.

In a literary sense, we see John giving a summary of the story of Jesus right up front-- there will be no surprises here:

10 He entered our world, a world He made; yet the world did not recognize Him. 11 Even though He came to His own people, they refused to listen and receive Him. 12 But for all who did receive and trust in Him, He gave them the right to be reborn as children of God; 13 He bestowed this birthright not by human power or initiative but by God’s will. 

14 The Voice took on flesh and became human and chose to live alongside us. We have seen Him, enveloped in undeniable splendor—the one true Son of the Father—evidenced in the perfect balance of grace and truth.

How exciting! This is what Israel has been waiting for! This is what the prophets have pointed to for all this time. This is going to be the final redeeming answer to the broken and battered relationship between Israel and God. Restoration is coming!