John 1: In the Beginning was The Word

Read John chapter 1

Introduction: The Gospel of John is, maybe the easiest to understand of the four gospels. The book teaches us the person and work of Jesus Christ in an easy to understand way. In the first chapter, we are given a glimpse into the nature of Jesus, His relationship with God the Father, and His role in creation and salvation. This outline will take us through the chapter, verse by verse, to better understand the message and significance of John’s opening words and how it can impact your life in year 2024.

I. John 1:1-5 – The Word as God and Creator
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning, and through Him all things were made (John 1:1-3). These verses clearly identifies Jesus as the eternal Word, who was with God and is God Himself, how can that be, He is God and can be two, or three or one thousand and three at the same time. This is further supported by Genesis 1:1, which speaks of God creating the heavens and the earth, showing Jesus’ involvement in creation. The Word is also the source of life and light, which overcomes the darkness (John 1:4-5), a theme echoed in Psalm 36:9 – “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”

II. John 1:6-13 – The Witness of John the Baptist and the Rejection of the Light
John the Baptist came as a witness to testify about the Light (Jesus) so that all might believe through him (John 1:6-8). Despite the world being made through Jesus, the world did not recognize Him, and His own people did not receive Him (John 1:10-11). This rejection is also highlighted in Isaiah 53:3 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” However, those who did receive Him and believed in His name were given the right to become children of God (John 1:12-13), fulfilling the promise of 2 Corinthians 6:18 – “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

III. John 1:14-18 – The Word Became Flesh
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). This verse is the heart of the Incarnation, where Jesus, the eternal Son of God, took on human flesh. This is the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” We have seen His glory, and He is the one and only Son from the Father. Through Jesus, we have received grace upon grace, and He has made the Father known to us (John 1:16-18), as stated in Colossians 1:15 – “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”

Conclusion: John chapter 1 gives us the profound truth that Jesus is the eternal Word, the Creator, the Light, and the Incarnate Son of God. Through Him, we can become children of God and receive grace upon grace. Despite the rejection He faced from His own countrymen, His life and ministry offer us the opportunity to know God personally and intimately. As we reflect on this chapter, let us embrace the Light and the life that Jesus offers, and the abundant life that comes with it.