1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.
8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”)
16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”
21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”
22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)
25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,
27 He it is who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’
31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”
32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.
33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”
35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples,
36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.
38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”
39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.
40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).
42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.”
44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”
48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”
51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
The True Meaning of John 1
The Gospel of John was written by the apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. John was a fisherman by trade, but he became a devoted follower of Christ and was known as the “disciple whom Jesus loved. John sets the stage for the life and ministry of Jesus, the Son of God in this opening chapter.
John begins by declaring the eternal nature of Jesus, the Word of God, who was present at the creation of the world. He then introduces the ministry of John the Baptist, who came to prepare the way for the Messiah. We see the calling of the first disciples, as they recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God and the long-awaited Savior.
Throughout this passage, John makes numerous references to other important biblical figures and events. For example, he alludes to the creation account in Genesis, where God spoke the world into existence. He also connects Jesus to the prophecies of the Old Testament, such as the promise of a Messiah who would redeem God’s people. As we delve into this chapter, we will witness the beginnings of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the unfolding of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity. The events described here will set the stage for the profound impact that Jesus will have on the lives of those who encounter him.
John 1:1-5
“We read in John 1:1-5, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’” He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. Life was in him, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
The opening verses of the Gospel of John beautifully describe the pre-existence and divinity of Jesus Christ as the Word. The use of the term “Word” (Greek: Logos) is significant as it carries depth and meaning. Ancient Greek philosophy considered the Logos to be the rational principle governing the universe. Here, John uses it to refer to Jesus Christ as the divine and creative force through which all things came into being. This echoes the creation account in Genesis where God spoke the universe into existence. John establishes the co-existence and unity of Jesus with God the Father from the beginning of time by stating that the Word was with God and was God. This concept of the Word being both distinct from God and yet also fully God Himself lays the groundwork for the Christian understanding of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – three persons in one Godhead.
The declaration that through this Word all things were made underscores Jesus Christ’s role as the agent of creation. This reaffirms the biblical truth that Jesus is not a created being but the eternal Creator Himself. The assertion that in him was life refers not only to the physical life inherent in creation but also to the spiritual life that He offers to humanity. This life is described as the light of all mankind, indicating the illuminating and guiding role that Jesus plays in revealing God’s truth to humanity.
The imagery of light shining in the darkness symbolizes the coming of Jesus into a world characterized by sin and spiritual darkness. Throughout the Bible, light represents goodness, truth, and righteousness, while darkness symbolizes evil, ignorance, and sin. The statement that the darkness has not overcome the light foreshadows the victory of Christ over the forces of darkness through His sacrificial death and resurrection. This ongoing battle between light and darkness is a recurring theme in the Bible, ultimately culminating in the triumph of Christ at the end of the age (Revelation 22:5). John 1:1-5 serves as a profound introduction to the Gospel of John by highlighting the eternal nature and divinity of Jesus Christ, His role as the Creator and source of life, and His victory over darkness. These verses lay a solid foundation for the themes of light, life, and salvation that will be further developed throughout the rest of the Gospel, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the promised Messiah and Savior of the world.
John 1:6-13
Several key sections stand out in John 1:6-13. “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.”
2. “He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.”
3. “He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.”
4. “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”
5. “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.”
6. “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”
7. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
- The introduction of John the Baptist as a man sent from God sets the stage for the arrival of Jesus. John the Baptist played a crucial role as the forerunner of Jesus, preparing the way for His ministry. His purpose was to testify to the true Light (Jesus), guiding people towards salvation through belief in Him.
2-3. John the Baptist’s mission was to point people towards Jesus, the true light that would illuminate the darkness of the world. The passage underscores Jesus’s importance and divinity by emphasizing that John was not the light but only a witness to the Light. Through John’s witness, people were given the opportunity to believe in Jesus and receive salvation.
4-5. The passage emphasizes Jesus as the true Light that was coming into the world. This Light is not exclusive but available to everyone, symbolizing the universal offer of salvation through Jesus. Despite being the creator of the world, Jesus was often unrecognized and rejected by the very world He created, highlighting the tragic state of humanity’s spiritual blindness.
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The rejection of Jesus by His own people, the Jews, is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. Despite being the fulfillment of prophecies and promises, many failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. This rejection serves as a poignant reminder of the human tendency to overlook God’s presence and work, especially when it challenges our preconceived notions and expectations.
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The passage concludes on a hopeful note, stating that those who received Jesus and believed in His name were granted the incredible privilege of becoming children of God. This transformation from outsiders to God’s beloved children showcases the redemptive power of belief in Jesus Christ. It signifies a new identity and relationship with God, built on faith and grace rather than lineage or merit. These verses tie into the overarching narrative of salvation history in the broader context of the Bible. They illustrate the fulfillment of God’s promises through the coming of Jesus, the importance of preparing the way for His ministry, the universal offer of salvation, the tragedy of human rejection, and the transformative power of faith in Christ. The message remains timeless, inviting all to receive and believe in Jesus as the true Light and experience the profound change of becoming children of God (John 3:16).
John 1:14-18
The verse in John 1:14-18 contains several important sections that can be broken down into profound meaning and theological significance. Let’s start by delving into each section.“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This verse encapsulates the central doctrine of the Incarnation. The “Word” refers to Jesus Christ, who is both fully divine and fully human. The divine Son of God stepped into human history, took on flesh, and lived among us. This act of love and humility demonstrates God’s desire to be in a personal relationship with his creation. Through Jesus, we have seen the glory of God, revealing his grace and truth to humanity.
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“John bore witness about him, and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.” For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Here, John the Baptist is highlighted as a witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ. John acknowledges Jesus’s preeminence and eternal nature, emphasizing that Jesus existed before him, despite being born after him in the flesh. The statement “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” underscores the concept of Jesus’s abundance of grace that is available to all who believe in him. This grace is not limited but overflows generously, surpassing our human understanding.
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“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” This section contrasts the giving of the Law through Moses in the Old Testament with the revelation of grace and truth through Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. Through Jesus, God’s nature, character, and will are fully disclosed. The phrase “the only God, who is at the Father’s side” affirms Jesus’s unique relationship with God the Father, emphasizing his divine origin and authority. John 1:14-18 serves as a powerful declaration of Jesus Christ’s identity as the Word made flesh, the embodiment of grace and truth, and the perfect revelation of God to humanity. It establishes Jesus’s supremacy over all and highlights the pivotal role of faith in receiving the abundant grace he offers. This passage underscores the continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament while emphasizing the unparalleled significance of Jesus Christ in fulfilling God’s redemptive plan for the world. It invites believers to embrace the grace, truth, and transformative power found only in Jesus Christ, the Son of God who dwelt among us.
John 1:19-28
Several important sections in John 1:19-28 deserve attention and reflection. Let’s break down this verse to provide a deeper commentary on its significance.
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“Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.” – This section sets the stage for the interaction between John the Baptist and the religious authorities of Jerusalem. John the Baptist was a pivotal figure in the Bible, foretold by prophets like Isaiah, who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. His role was to baptize people for repentance and to announce the arrival of the Messiah. When the priests and Levites were sent to question him, it signified the growing interest and concern surrounding John’s ministry and its relation to the Jewish religious establishment.
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“He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’” – John the Baptist’s humility and self-awareness are evident in this declaration. Despite his important role as the forerunner of Christ, John knew that he was not the Savior the people were waiting for. This serves as a powerful lesson in humility and understanding one’s place in God’s plan. It also reinforces the concept of each individual having a specific role to play in God’s greater purpose, whether big or small, and the importance of acknowledging and embracing that role with humility.
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“They asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’” – The priests and Levites probe further, asking John if he is Elijah or the Prophet foretold in the Old Testament. This dialogue highlights the anticipation and confusion surrounding the identity of the expected Messianic figures. Malachi 4:5 prophesied that Elijah would return before the Messiah. Jesus later identifies John as the fulfillment of this prophecy, symbolically representing the spirit of Elijah (Matthew 17:10-13). The mention of the Prophet could refer to Moses or the prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15 about a future prophet like Moses, who turns out to be Jesus (Acts 3:22-23).
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“Finally they said, ‘Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’” – The religious leaders press John for a definitive answer about his identity. This question goes beyond mere curiosity; it reflects the hierarchical and authoritative nature of the religious system at that time. They were seeking to maintain control over the narrative and possibly assess John’s intentions and legitimacy by asking for an answer to take back. This interaction underscores the tension between tradition, institutional power, and the arrival of a new era with the coming of Christ. John 1:19-28 unveils the intricate dynamics between John the Baptist and the religious authorities, shedding light on John’s humility, awareness of his role, and the prophesied anticipation surrounding the coming Messiah. It serves as a prelude to the revelation of Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Through the characters and dialogues in this passage, we are reminded of the importance of humility, fulfilling one’s role in God’s plan, and being vigilant for the signs of God’s unfolding kingdom.
John 1:29-34
The verse in John 1:29-34 can be broken down into a few key sections. “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John the Baptist is identifying Jesus as the “Lamb of God” in this section.” This title holds great significance as it refers to Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who would ultimately take away the sins of the world through his death on the cross. This declaration by John the Baptist sets the stage for Jesus’ sacrificial mission on earth, highlighting his role in providing salvation for all of humanity.
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“This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”
John the Baptist acknowledges here that Jesus holds a higher position than him, despite the fact that he was born before Jesus. This statement emphasizes the pre-existence and divine nature of Jesus, who existed before John the Baptist and holds a position of superiority. This reinforces the idea of Jesus’s deity and eternal existence, a recurring theme throughout the Gospel of John which asserts Jesus’s divinity. -
“I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
John the Baptist’s testimony here further solidifies Jesus’ identity as the Chosen One of God. This designation conveys the idea that Jesus was specifically chosen by God to fulfill His redemptive plan for humanity. John’s testimony serves as a validation of Jesus’ divine mission and role in establishing the Kingdom of God on earth. -
“Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him.’”
This section describes the pivotal moment at Jesus’ baptism when the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. This event symbolizes the anointing of Jesus with the Holy Spirit for his ministry. It marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and sets the stage for the miraculous signs and wonders that would follow. The presence of the Holy Spirit signifies divine approval and empowerment for Jesus’ mission on earth. -
“And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’”
Here, John the Baptist reveals that he did not initially know Jesus on a personal level, but it was through divine revelation that he recognized Jesus as the one on whom the Spirit would descend. This statement highlights the divine orchestration behind Jesus’ ministry and the fulfillment of prophecies regarding the coming Messiah. It also foreshadows Jesus’ role as the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, indicating his authority as the source of spiritual renewal and transformation for believers. John 1:29-34 presents a powerful testimony to Jesus’ identity as the Lamb of God, the Chosen One of God, and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. It underscores the divine nature of Jesus, his role in salvation, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in his ministry. Through John the Baptist’s testimony, we are reminded of the profound truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan and the source of eternal life for all who believe in him.
John 1:35-42
Jesus begins to call His disciples in an important moment in His ministry, as we witness in John 1:35-42. The passage is divided into two main sections: the calling of Andrew and an unnamed disciple by John the Baptist, followed by Andrew’s introduction of his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. John the Baptist is standing with two of his disciples in the first section. When he sees Jesus passing by, he declares, “Look, the Lamb of God!” Upon hearing this, the two disciples follow Jesus. One of these disciples is identified as Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. Andrew and the other disciple spend the day with Jesus, indicating a growing curiosity and desire to know more about Him.
This moment is significant as it marks the beginning of a personal relationship between Jesus and His disciples. The term “Lamb of God” used by John the Baptist is a powerful metaphor that points to Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who would take away the sins of the world. This sets the stage for Jesus’ ultimate purpose on earth, to offer Himself as a sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. Andrew goes to find his brother Simon Peter and brings him to Jesus as we shift to the second section. When Jesus meets Simon Peter, He looks at him and says, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). This renaming of Simon as Peter is significant because it signifies a transformation that will take place in Peter’s life. Peter would go on to become one of Jesus’ closest disciples and a key figure in the early Christian church.
The calling of Andrew and Peter shows us the power of personal invitation and connection in spreading the message of Jesus. Andrew’s immediate response to bring his brother to Jesus serves as a model for us in sharing the Gospel with others. It also highlights the importance of community and relationships in our faith journey, as we see how Andrew’s actions lead to Peter joining the ranks of Jesus’ disciples.
This passage echoes themes present throughout the Bible, such as the idea of being chosen and called by God for a specific purpose. We see this theme repeated in the Old Testament with figures like Abraham, Moses, and David, who were chosen by God to fulfill His plans. The calling of the disciples in the New Testament carries on this tradition, demonstrating God’s sovereignty in selecting individuals to carry out His work on earth. Jesus begins to gather His closest followers in a pivotal moment in the early ministry, as captured in John 1:35-42. Through the actions of Andrew and Peter, we learn about the power of personal connections, the transformative nature of encountering Jesus, and the significance of being chosen by God for a specific purpose. This passage serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in calling and equipping those who are willing to follow Him.
John 1:43-51
An account of the calling of two of Jesus’s disciples, Philip and Nathanael, is seen in John 1:43-51. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a deeper understanding.
Verse 43 starts with Jesus deciding to go to Galilee where He finds Philip and says to him, “Follow me.” This simple invitation from Jesus to Philip parallels the calling of many other disciples throughout the Bible, where individuals are chosen by God for a specific purpose. The act of following Jesus represents a shift in allegiance, leaving behind one’s old life to walk in the ways of the Lord. This theme of following Jesus is prevalent throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faith in His teachings. Philip, after Jesus called him, goes to find Nathanael and tells him about Jesus of Nazareth being the one spoken about by Moses and the prophets. Here, we see Philip sharing his newfound faith with Nathanael, displaying an immediate eagerness to bring others to Christ. This act of sharing the good news with others is a fundamental aspect of Christianity, where believers are called to be witnesses and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
Nathanael’s initial skepticism in verse 46 is noteworthy. When he hears that Jesus is from Nazareth, he questions, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” This doubt reflects the common prejudice against Nazareth at that time. However, Philip responds by inviting Nathanael to come and see for himself. This encounter teaches us the importance of not making judgments based on preconceived notions or appearances but rather seeking the truth and experiencing Jesus firsthand.
Jesus’s interaction with Nathanael in verses 47-51 is profound. Jesus declares, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit,” as Nathanael approaches.” This statement surprises Nathanael, who asks Jesus how He knows him. Jesus reveals that He saw Nathanael under the fig tree before Philip called him. This revelation leads Nathanael to recognize Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel. This interaction underscores Jesus’s divine knowledge and insight, demonstrating that He is not just an ordinary man but the Messiah with the ability to see into the hearts of individuals. Jesus assures Nathanael in the final verses that he will see greater things, referring to the miraculous signs and wonders that would accompany His ministry. This promise of greater things to come highlights the supernatural nature of Jesus’s mission on earth and foreshadows the many miracles and teachings that would follow throughout His ministry. John 1:43-51 captures essential themes of discipleship, evangelism, faith, and divine revelation. It illustrates the process of being called by Jesus, sharing the good news with others, overcoming doubt through personal encounters with Christ, and recognizing His true nature as the Son of God. This passage encourages believers to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, share their faith boldly, and trust in His power to reveal Himself to those who seek Him with an open heart.
After John 1
We witnessed the power and glory of the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ in this chapter. Through Him, we have received grace upon grace, and He has revealed to us the love and truth of God the Father. Let us reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation and be filled with awe and gratitude for the gift of salvation that has come to us through Jesus. As we prepare to delve into the next chapter, let us carry the light of Christ that shines in the darkness in our hearts. We will walk in His ways, spreading His love and truth to all we encounter. May we be steadfast in our faith, knowing that in Him, we have found the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.