Jesus Christ

What it means

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John opens his gospel before Genesis 1 opens.

Why every Christian should know it

It sets the deity of Christ at the front door of the gospel of John. He is both distinct from the Father and fully God.

Cross references

• John 1:14
• Colossians 1:16-17
• Hebrews 1:3

Pray it back

Eternal Word, you were never made. You have always been. Teach me to worship you as God and not only admire you as a teacher.

What it means

Jesus answers Thomas: I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Why every Christian should know it

Every question about other religions eventually meets this sentence. Jesus does not describe a road, he is the road.

Cross references

• Acts 4:12
• 1 Timothy 2:5
• John 10:9

Pray it back

Lord Jesus, you are the way to the Father. I stop looking for another door.

What it means

All things were created by him and for him, and in him all things hold together. Christ is the origin and the ongoing coherence of everything.

Why every Christian should know it

It keeps Jesus from being confined to religion. The universe does not merely start with him, it stays together in him.

Cross references

• John 1:3
• Hebrews 1:2-3
• Romans 11:36

Pray it back

Lord, you hold all things together, including the parts of my life that feel like they are coming apart.

What it means

Because he humbled himself, God exalted him and gave him the name above every name, so that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Why every Christian should know it

It tells you where history is going. The confession made freely by the church now will one day be made by everyone.

Cross references

• Isaiah 45:23
• Romans 14:11
• Revelation 5:13

Pray it back

Jesus, you are Lord. I bow now willingly, and I long for the day when every knee joins me.

What it means

Our high priest was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin, so we can come to the throne of grace with confidence and find mercy and help.

Why every Christian should know it

It is the verse for the moment you feel too weak to pray. His sympathy is informed, and his throne is a throne of grace.

Cross references

• Hebrews 2:17-18
• Isaiah 53:3
• Hebrews 7:25

Pray it back

Great high priest, you understand this weakness from the inside. I come for mercy and for help in time of need.