Answer
John 1:3 states, “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” (ESV). This verse is part of John’s opening lines, which parallel Genesis 1:1, likely done on purpose to affirm Christ’s deity. The “him” through which all things were made refers to the Living Word, who is Jesus. Here, John makes a powerful declaration: everything was created through Jesus.
First and foremost, John 1:3 proves that Jesus was neither a created being nor an angel, as some might argue. Since Jesus is the One through whom everything was created, He couldn’t have been created Himself. Indeed, He is the Source of all that was made, so nothing would exist without Him. Because of this, Jesus’ declaration about being the way, the truth, and the life holds profound meaning (John 14:6). It is not merely a religious claim but the words of the Creator.
Additionally, the fact that that all things were made through Him provides us a glimpse of the Godhead’s joint work in creation. The Father spoke, and the Son—the Word—brought to reality what was said. Genesis 1:2 relates the work of the Third Person of the Trinity, saying that “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” The Triune God is united in purpose and in power from creation to restoration.
If there are any doubts regarding Scripture’s teachings about Jesus’ deity and His unity with the Father, the book of John clears them up. Jesus is our Savior and our Source of Life. Thus, true life is found only in Christ, and our true humanity is realized when we conform to His image. The Christian message is not solely about reaching heaven after death but about reconciliation with the Father, being united with the Source of Life and becoming the people our Creator intended. The statement that all things were made through Christ is a radical claim that lifts Jesus to a place of deity and assigns Him a position of paramount importance.
John’s affirmation of Jesus’ deity and His role in creation adds fascination to the concept of incarnation. It certainly lends credence to Paul’s words often referred to as the Christ Hymn: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:6–8). In a staggering display of humility, the Source of Life descended from heaven to assume an inferior nature in order to save us all.
John’s introduction to his Gospel serves as a reminder that Jesus transcends being just a carpenter’s son, a religious leader, or a rabbi. He is not an angel, a created being, or a lesser god. Jesus is the Logos, the Wisdom and Order of the whole created world, and nothing was created except through Him.
