What Jesus Did! 'Life That Is Shared' — John 1:4

Saturday, January 3, 2026

The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
— John 1:4 NLT

Key Thought

So often, people want to sell us some formula, vitamin, exercise plan, marketing strategy, or business opportunity that will enhance our lives. Our email boxes are filled with spam about the newest, latest, and greatest ways to enhance and enrich our lives. The Bible offers one way to find life - not a few ways, just one way. This way to life is not a marketing plan or a product; no, the only real way to life is a person - Jesus, God's living Word who took on human flesh! This life, however, is not something we have to earn or pay someone else to receive. Instead, this life was gladly willing to share everything that he had and has and is. This life gives light. He shares grace and glory for our gain. And the offer? Well, it's not to just a select few, but it's for everyone. So the real question for us today is pretty simple: "Have I found life in Jesus?" If we answer yes, then the second question is, "Am I sharing that life with others?"

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you! You gave me your precious life through Jesus. As I receive the blessing of his light, help me to share that light and life with others who do not know you or your Son. Bless me especially, O Lord, as I try to reach out to ... Forgive me for those times when I have been timid or reluctant to share your grace with others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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21 Related Resources by Heartlight

John 1:4-5
Devo: Today's Verse
"In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it."
Rooted in Relationship
Devo: Together in Christ
"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . The Word gave life to everything that was..."
This Light Keeps Shining
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can....."
Darkness will not overcome the light!
Illustration of John 1:4-5
Inspirational illustration of John 1:4-5 -- In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.
See All 21 Related Resources about John 1:4

Illustration

Illustration of John 1:4 NLT — The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.

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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.

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