Scripture: John 1:1-18
Introduction
The Gospel of John begins differently from the other Gospels. The opening verses in John 1 reveal profound truths about Jesus’ identity.
Matthew begins with a genealogy. Mark begins with John the Baptist. Luke begins with the birth announcements surrounding Jesus.
John begins before creation itself.
He takes us back before Bethlehem, before Abraham, before Adam, and before time itself. John wants us to understand that Jesus did not merely begin to exist when He was born in a manger. Jesus is eternal God, and this is magnificently revealed in John 1.
John 1 is one of the most important chapters in the entire Bible because it answers the question: Who is Jesus?
In the Beginning Was the Word
John opens with these famous words:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
The phrase “in the beginning” immediately reminds us of Genesis 1:1.
Before anything was created, Jesus already existed.
John calls Him “the Word” (Greek: Logos). A word reveals what is in a person’s mind. Jesus perfectly reveals God to humanity. If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus.
Notice three truths:
- The Word existed eternally.
- The Word was with God.
- The Word was God.
Jesus is distinct from the Father, yet fully God Himself.
This verse leaves no room for the idea that Jesus was merely a great teacher or prophet. He is God in human flesh. Additionally, reflecting on John 1 enriches our understanding of what Jesus claimed about Himself.
Jesus Is the Creator
John continues:
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3)
Everything that exists was created through Christ.
The stars, oceans, mountains, animals, and human beings all owe their existence to Him.
Think about that for a moment.
The carpenter from Nazareth is the Creator of the universe.
The One who hung on the cross is the One who made the trees from which crosses were built.
Jesus is not part of creation. He is the Creator.
Jesus Is the Source of Life
John writes:
“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)
Physical life comes from Christ.
Spiritual life comes from Christ.
Eternal life comes from Christ.
Humanity often searches for meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in money, success, relationships, or possessions. Yet true life is found only in Jesus, as John 1 also teaches us.
The life He gives is more than existence. It is a restored relationship with God.
Jesus Is the Light of the World
John describes Jesus as light shining in darkness.
“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:5)
The world is darkened by sin.
Darkness creates confusion, fear, and danger.
Jesus came to illuminate the truth about God, sin, salvation, and eternity.
Darkness cannot overcome light.
One small candle can push back darkness in an entire room.
Likewise, Christ came into a dark world and His light continues to shine today.
The Witness of John the Baptist
John introduces John the Baptist as a witness.
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.” (John 1:6)
John the Baptist was not the light. He simply pointed people to the Light.
His ministry reminds us that believers are not called to draw attention to themselves. We are called to point others to Jesus.
A lighthouse does not attract ships to itself. It guides them safely to the harbor.
That is what John the Baptist did.
That is what Christians should do today.
The Tragic Rejection of Christ
John writes:
“He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11)
The Creator entered His creation.
The Messiah came to His people.
Yet many rejected Him.
This remains one of the saddest realities in Scripture.
Many people admire Jesus, discuss Jesus, and know facts about Jesus, but they never truly receive Him as Savior and Lord.
Knowledge alone does not save.
Faith does.
The Wonderful Promise
John gives one of the greatest promises in Scripture:
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12)
Anyone can become part of God’s family through faith in Christ.
Not by:
- good works.
- church membership.
- religious rituals.
- family heritage.
Salvation comes through believing in Jesus Christ.
When we trust Him, we become children of God.
What an incredible privilege!
The Word Became Flesh
The climax of the chapter comes in verse 14:
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”
This is the miracle of the Incarnation.
God became man.
Jesus did not merely appear human. He became fully human while remaining fully God.
Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, sorrow, temptation, and suffering.
He entered our world to save us.
The word “dwelt” literally means “tabernacled” among us.
Just as God’s presence filled the Tabernacle in the Old Testament, God’s presence was revealed perfectly in Jesus Christ. Clearly, the message of John 1 is life-changing for any who take it to heart.
Full of Grace and Truth
John says Jesus was:
“full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Many people emphasize one while neglecting the other.
Some focus only on truth and become harsh.
Others focus only on grace and ignore sin.
Jesus perfectly combines both.
He speaks truth without compromise.
He offers grace without limit.
The cross demonstrates both. God’s truth demands judgment for sin, while God’s grace provides a Savior.
No One Has Seen God Like Jesus Reveals Him
John concludes:
“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son… he hath declared him.” (John 1:18)
Jesus is God’s perfect revelation.
Look at Jesus:
- If you want to know God’s love.
- If you want to know God’s holiness.
- If you want to know God’s mercy.
Jesus makes the invisible God known.
What Does This Mean for Us?
John 1 challenges us with several important questions:
- Do I recognize Jesus as God?
- Have I received Him by faith?
- Am I walking in His light?
- Am I pointing others to Christ?
- Am I trusting His grace and truth?
John’s purpose is not merely to inform us about Jesus.
It is to bring us to faith in Jesus. In summary, John 1 enhances our understanding of Christ’s divine nature and purpose.
Conclusion
John begins his Gospel by revealing the glory of Christ.
Jesus is:
- the eternal Word.
- the Creator.
- the Light.
- the Source of Life.
Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us.
The question is not merely who Jesus is.
The question is what will you do with Him?
Like John the Baptist, may we point others to Christ.
Like the first disciples, may we follow Him.
And like all true believers, may we receive Him and become children of God through faith in His name.
For more insights to the Gospel of John, order Pastor Alan’s book, Come and See, from the links below.
Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL