If you’ve ever felt like reading the Bible was overwhelming or like it was speaking to everyone but you, this post is for you.

We’re kicking off a four-week deep dive through the Gospel of John, based on my 32-day Bible study, Walking With Jesus Through John. Whether you have the study or you’re just following along here on the blog, I want you to come hungry for truth, open to what the Spirit reveals, and ready to slow down and actually sit with the Word.

Because this isn’t just a devotional. This is where theology meets transformation.

Why John?

I can’t overstate how powerful this book has been in my walk with God. It was John that made it impossible for me to keep believing the lie that God was disgusted by me. John showed me that Jesus isn’t just some historical figure who reluctantly died for my sins, He’s the Word made flesh. He stepped into the darkness and brought the light with Him.

And that light? Darkness couldn’t touch it.

That’s the Jesus we’re meeting in this study.

A New Way to Study Scripture

Each section of this study uses a two-part approach:

• Observation & Interpretation: What’s happening in the passage? Who’s involved? What stands out? What is God showing us through the context, repetition, and language?
• Application & Reflection: What does this mean for your life right now? Where is God inviting you to grow, change, or trust Him more?

This method is adapted from a framework I learned in school (shoutout to the Everyday Bible Study by Gutierrez & Polchow), and it completely changed the way I approach Scripture.

It’s not about speed. It’s about saturation.

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning: John 1:1–5

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through him,
and without him was not anything made that was made.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1–5, ESV)

This passage is rich and if you’re anything like me, it’s easy to skim past it without really soaking it in. But stop. Reread it. Out loud if you need to. Let it hit you.

Jesus isn’t a supporting character in the Bible, He’s the Word. He’s been there from the beginning, the reason everything exists. And He’s the light that darkness cannot and will not overcome.

What This Teaches Us About Jesus

Here’s what we learn just from these five verses:

• Jesus has always existed. He wasn’t created, He was with God in the beginning and is God.
• Everything was made through Him. Everything. Including you.
• In Him is life. Not just breath-in-your-lungs kind of life, but abundant, eternal, light-over-darkness kind of life.
• That light still shines. Darkness doesn’t get the final say.

This isn’t just poetic theology. It’s personal. It’s transformational. And it changes how we see ourselves and our situations.

Jesus Is the Light, So What Does That Mean for You?

Here’s where we get real. How does Jesus being the light of the world change your day-to-day life?

For me, it means that my past, no matter how dark, can’t define me. It means the thoughts that whisper “you’re not enough” don’t win. It means that the enemy’s favorite tactic, discouragement, shame, distraction, has no authority where the light of Christ is burning.

Let me ask you this:

In what area of your life do you need Jesus to shine His light right now?

• Is it in your relationships?
• Your finances?
• Your mental health?
• The part of you that still believes you’re unlovable?

Write it down. Don’t just think about it. Actually put pen to paper. There’s power in seeing it. And then ask Him to meet you in it.

Train With Your Sword

The Bible isn’t just a book. It’s your weapon. It’s your sword. And if we only pick it up for 15 minutes a day, barely swinging it before we say we’re tired, we can’t be surprised when we’re not ready for battle.

But here’s the good news: God will meet you in your weakness. You don’t have to feel like reading the Word to open it. You just have to show up.

So start here. Start small. But don’t stop.

This Week’s Action Steps

• Memorize one verse from John 1:1–5. I recommend verse 5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
• Pray with purpose. Before asking for anything, thank Jesus for being the light. Then ask Him to shine that light in the specific area you wrote down earlier.
• Reflect: What does this passage show you about Jesus? About who He is and how He sees you?

Final Thoughts

Jesus isn’t waiting for you to “get it together.” He’s already here. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and He still dwells with us now. The light still shines. And your darkness? It doesn’t get the final word.

If this post stirred something in you, I’d love to invite you to join us live every Saturday for our Weekly Bible Study on Zoom. You can get all the info here!

Jesus is the light. And the darkness has not overcome it.

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