This week we’re starting a new series in the Book of John.

If you’ve ever given serious thought to becoming a superhero, I’m confident you’ve considered your

origin story. Every superhero needs an origin story. Superman was born on the planet Krypton and was

sent to earth by his parents to save his life. Spider-Man was bitten by a radioactive spider which gave

him spider qualities. Wonder Woman has ties to Greek mythology. Batman, Iron Man, and MacGyver

were born with mechanical resourcefulness and a general willingness to help.

For the record, I have yet to determine how to parlay my affinity for Microsoft Excel and carefully think

things through into superhero status. Seriously - just imagine that costume.

Let’s consider a much more compelling, and important, and real, origin story.

Having just finished Christmas season, it’s natural for us to reflexively think of a manger in Bethlehem as

the starting point for our relationship with Jesus. While that moment in Bethlehem was a history-

altering beginning of God living physically among us, it really wasn’t Jesus’ origin story.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God

in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created

that has been created. (John 1:1-3 HCSB)

Jesus has always been with God and has always been God. But just because He’s eternal doesn’t mean

there aren’t specific new beginnings throughout history. While the manger in Bethlehem wasn’t Jesus’

true origin, it marked the beginning of something new.

And so it is with us as we are now beginning a new calendar year. We’re mostly the same people with

the same personalities, skills, and worries as last year. But we can have a new start in a new year. Jesus

may not have an origin story, but He is for sure big on second chances.

Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness, for the law was given through Moses,

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:16-17 HCSB)

By Mark Stuart

Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob, and father-in-law of Bailey.