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Read John 1:1-18

John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Response to Jesus is one of extremes: Worship Him. Kill Him. Believe in Him. Doubt Him. Follow Him. Turn and walk away. Jesus left no room for the wishy-washy middle. His statements were always bold and often controversial.

Once when Jesus was speaking to the religious leaders and challenging their system He started with the self-description, “I am the good shepherd.” However, by the time He finished He declared, “I and the Father are one.” This statement inflamed the religious leaders, who picked up stones to kill Him. Jesus stared at the enraged men with rocks in their hands and asked, “For which of these [good works] do you stone me?” They yelled back, “We are not stoning you for any good work but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” (John 10:11-33).

John begins his gospel with a theological treatise that buries any thought of Jesus being a “mere man.” With four simple, straightforward, case-closing words he says, “the Word was God.” Doubt Him. Walk away. Or . . . worship Him. Believe in Him. Follow Him. Jesus leaves no option for the wishy-washy middle.

Lord Jesus, help me to stand for You with the confident knowledge that You are God in person, essence and attributes. Never let me stand in the wishy-washy middle.  In Your name. Amen.