What Jesus Did! 'The Message That Was There All Along' — John 1:1

Thursday, January 1, 2026

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
— John 1:1 NLT

Key Thought

What a strange way to begin a story: "In the beginning the Word already existed." But that statement's true because that Word is Jesus! When God wanted to tell human beings about himself, when he wanted to give us Good News about salvation, when he wanted to give us a message about his love for us, he sent Jesus. Jesus is God's Word - his Message. And this Word was with the Father all along. In fact, he was and is "in very nature God." [1] Jesus is God come to us as Savior, in human flesh. He is God with us, the Messenger of all messengers and the Message of all messages.

[1] Philippians 2:6 NIV.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, Father in heaven, for giving me your Message in Jesus, the Message about your love that I can understand. Thank you for giving me this essage that I can see in action. Thank you for Jesus and all he is to me. Thank you for your Message of love, salvation, and grace in Jesus. I offer this thanks in his name, and to your glory. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

30 Related Resources by Heartlight

John 1:1
Devo: Today's Verse
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
More than old and ever new!
Illustration of John 1:1
Inspirational illustration of John 1:1 -- In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was god
What's in the Word?
Illustration of John 1:1
Heartcard of John 1:1 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1-2
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning."
See All 30 Related Resources about John 1:1

Illustration

Illustration of John 1:1 NLT — In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, January 1, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Christians Have God’s Spirit, Not the World’s'
"Who knows the thoughts that another person has? Only a person’s spirit that lives within him knows his thoughts. It is the same with God. No one knows..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Heading to Mary's House' (Acts 12:11-12)
"Peter finally came to his senses [after the angel released him from prison]. "It's really true!" he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me....."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 4:4
"Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' ""
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Giving Grace, Sharing Grace'
"Dear Beloved, What do you do when the leaders in your church don't get along? Do you divide up into different camps and deepen the disagreement? Or,...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!