Some of my favorite movies are “origin stories.” I loved getting to know Jack Sparrow in the first “Pirates of the Caribbean.” (I didn’t have that much love for the sequels, but that’s another story.) Meeting Wonder Woman with the mixing of historical events made for a fascinating story. Even in my childhood, meeting the Grinch who stole Christmas was an incredible story. Origin stories provide a colorful and interesting presentation of someone new to the audience.

John 1-5 is an amazing “origin story” for someone who is getting to know Jesus for the first time…or for the thousandth time. In just five chapters we learn the “origin” of Jesus’ adult life. We learn of John’s announcement that Jesus was the Lamb of God, of the gathering of the disciples, of Jesus’ first miracles, His teaching, and even of His anger. He taught. He was questioned. He healed. He rebuked. He was harassed. And He was praised. 

Jesus truly was God in human form.

However, in the middle of all of this we find the most recognized verse in the Bible. John 3:16:

For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

This verse can change your perspective on everything else that surrounds it. As Jesus was teaching, can you imagine Him looking around at the people and silently thinking, “Someday, I will give my life for yours”? As people were harassing Him, can you imagine Him silently thinking, “Someday, I will give my life for yours”? As the Samaritan woman talked with Him at the well, can you imagine Him looking in her eyes and thinking, “Someday, I will give my life for yours”?

Do you really know God’s Son? His name is Jesus and He has an incredible story. What’s more incredible is that, out of love, God gave Jesus as a gift to you personally. He is your example and your teacher, and He willingly became your Savior. 

Take a moment and be amazed at who He is. Then thank Him for giving His life for yours.