John begins his Gospel with an immensely rich statement: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1). This “beginning” was indefinite until it was punctuated on earth; the Son of God had no starting point. Eternal on both ends, He underwent ‘change’ when “the Word became flesh.” Twenty-one chapters, John built on this revelation cleverly & dramatically. The way He is (in the flesh) tells how much we mean to Him. Later in his life in exile, the Jesus John knew in part was revealed again: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead; and behold I am alive for ever and ever!” (Rev 1:18).