The Gospel of John begins with a powerful metaphysical statement: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The philosophical and religious signifiance of “the Word” would have resonated with both Jewish and Greek believers. For Jewish believers, they would have recalled Genesis 1:3 when God speaks (Aramaic: memra) the universe into existence. Greek believers, and those who would have been familiar with Greek philosophy, would have appreciated John’s use of the term logos, which refers to a foundational reason that provides order to the universe. Here, Jewish and Greek thought find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who as the Eternal God is both the Creator and Sustainer of the world.
John then goes on to describe from verses 4-9 that Jesus is the Light and Life of the world. It is only through Him that the darkness of sin can be dispelled from the world and that all can find redemption through adoption into His family. John emphasizes that we are born as children of God not in a physical sense, but spiritually through His redeeming work. It is an affirmation that salvation is not through works or merit, but by grace through faith. Verses 6-9 also state clearly the role of John the Baptist in paving the way for Christ. John the Baptist was not the Messiah but was to bear testimony to the true Light. In the words of John the Baptist himself in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
The passage ends with a beautiful description of Christ’s Incarnation. Imagine – the Creator of the universe unlimited and matchless in power and wisdom decided to constrain Himself in the form of a tiny, helpless baby. The phrase in verse 14, “He dwelt among us,” testifies to the depth of His love. He chose to dwell among us to experience what it is like to be human in this fallen world, with all of its suffering and pain. He did this so that He may be what Hebrews 4:15 describes, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” The beauty of the Incarnation is that Christ is both transcendent – victorious over sin and suffering – and yet intimately present with us as we move through this fallen world in His strength. His presence, through His Holy Spirit, is what gives the believer unshakeable hope and joy through all of life’s challenges and struggles.
Read the passage prayerfully a few times over and then answer the questions John 1:1-18
Questions:
- How do you understand the relationship between the Word and God as described in this passage? John 1:1-3 cf Genesis 1:1-2 and Colossians 1:15-16
- What is the darkness that the Light has come to dispel? How does this passage give you hope despite the darkness that you see in the world? John 1:4-9
- According to this passage, what is the basis for salvation? John 1:10-13 cf Romans 8:12-17
Application:
- What lessons on bearing witness of the light can you apply as you think about John and John the Baptist’s role in proclaiming Jesus’ coming? John 1:6-8, 15
- What about the Incarnation – God becoming flesh and dwelling among us – comforts or inspires you in your worship of Christ? John 1:14-18 cf Romans 8:1-11
Conclusion & Heart Prayer:
- Lord, what are You saying to me? And what are You calling me to do about it?
