Eternal Jesus

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God.

John 1:1-2 NLT

What pictures come to mind when you think about Jesus? Maybe a newborn baby lying in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem. Maybe a child in the temple confounding learned men with his knowledge. Maybe a man in his early thirties teaching and preaching. Maybe bruised and beaten, hanging on a cross.

It is easy for us to relate to Jesus as a man that walked and ate and got tired like we do. Some who grew up with Jesus knew him only as a man. He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers (Matthew 13:55 NLT).

Many Jewish people at the Temple only saw Jesus’ humanity. You aren’t even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham (John 8:57 NLT)?

Jesus tried to enlighten them. I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am (John 8:58 NLT)! He was telling them that he has always existed. He was also telling them that he was God. Unfortunately, they didn’t get it.

The writer of Hebrews understood. He likened Melchizedek to Jesus, saying There is no...beginning or end to his life (Hebrews 7:3 NLT).

Jesus laid the foundations of the earth and made the heavens (Hebrews 1:10 NLT) long before he was conceived in Mary’s womb. He dropped hints during his life for those who would listen. Speaking with Nicodemus, Jesus said, No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man [Jesus] (John 3:13).

As Jesus prepared to go to the cross, he looked forward to being in heaven once again. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began (John 17:5 NLT).

Jesus, expand our minds to grasp the fullness of your existence as eternal, as God the Son who has always been and will always be.

Terri