John 1

Written on 05/10/2024

Verses 1-18

  • Verses 1-5. John begins his gospel by showing us that Jesus is God, not merely a prophet or godly man. The entire gospel of John highlights the deity of Jesus Christ.

    • He shows us that Jesus is the Word of God (Revelation 19:13). The Word of God—Jesus—has always existed with God, and Jesus was involved in creating all things (Colossians 1:16-17). 

    • A day came when Jesus became a Man, by being conceived in Mary's womb (verses 14). God came to us in this way.

      • All of God lives in Jesus (Colossians 2:9), and from Jesus alone can we learn the truth about God. Everything we need to know about God is found through knowing Jesus (verses 16,18). 

    • Jesus came so that we could know God and have a relationship with God (verse 12). Keep your focus on enjoying a relationship with God, because this is why Jesus came to you (John 17:3).

      • Because we are children of God, we know that we matter. Do not consider what people have said about your worth. God made you for His purpose, and you are a valuable part of that purpose. Remembering this will bring you joy and comfort.

 

Verses 19-51

  • Many people were not sure about who John was or why he came. What we do know is that John always pointed to Jesus. He didn't care if people knew his own name; he wanted people to know Jesus.

  • Verse 31. John adds that he knew Jesus in order to reveal Him to Israel.

    • We should remember this: One of the main reasons why we get to know Jesus is so that we can show Him to others. Keep it in your focus to show Jesus to others.

  • Verses 29,34. As with John, explain to people that Jesus is the Son of God and that only He can forgive their sins and take away their sinful habits.

  • Verses 35-38. John's influence, because he was so vocal and excited about Jesus, made people curious about Jesus, so that they began to follow Him around even before they believed.

    • Be confident and excited about how you speak about Jesus. At the very least, this will make people curious about why you're so interested in Jesus. This may bring them to look into the gospel themselves.

  • Verses 47-49. Jesus used a spiritual ability here to see Nathanael's previous whereabouts. 

    • The Spirit can reveal this kind of information to you.

    • Practically, focus on showing people that you see them, and that you care about them. As your care grows, the Spirit may grant you deeper knowledge of people.