John 1:1-18 is about the eternal Word of God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, bringing light and life to humanity, and revealing God’s glory and grace through his incarnation.
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.
Setting the Scene for John 1:1-18
The scene in John chapter 1 opens with the introduction of the Word, who is Jesus Christ. The setting is a bustling marketplace in Jerusalem, filled with merchants selling their wares and people going about their daily business. Among the crowd are John the Baptist, a prominent figure known for his preaching and baptizing, and a group of curious onlookers eager to hear his message.
As the crowd gathers around John, he begins to speak passionately about the coming of the Messiah, the one who will bring salvation to the world. Suddenly, Jesus appears on the scene, walking through the marketplace with a sense of purpose and divine authority. John recognizes him immediately and declares to the crowd, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
The atmosphere in the marketplace shifts as all eyes turn to Jesus, the Word made flesh, who has come to dwell among humanity. The scene is charged with anticipation and wonder as John and the crowd bear witness to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth, a pivotal moment in the unfolding story of redemption and grace.
What is John 1:1-18 about?
Let’s take a closer look at this powerful and profound declaration from the Gospel of John. John is asserting in this verse that Jesus, the Word, has always existed and ultimately became human in the form of flesh. This concept of the Word becoming flesh is significant because it highlights the divine nature of Jesus and his role in the salvation of humanity. John is portraying Jesus as the ultimate expression of God’s communication and revelation to the world by referring to him as the Word. This reinforces the idea that Jesus is not just a historical figure but an eternal being who has always been a part of God’s plan for humanity. The message here is one of divine love and grace, as God himself took on human form to bring salvation and redemption to all.
Reflecting on this verse, we are invited to consider the incredible depth of God’s love for us and the lengths to which he was willing to go to reconcile us to himself. It prompts us to ponder the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the significance of Jesus entering our world as a human being. We should marvel at the unfathomable love and grace of God and recognize the eternal impact of Jesus, the Word made flesh, in our lives as we meditate on this declaration.
Understanding what John 1:1-18 really means
In the prologue to the Gospel of John, we encounter a profound and foundational passage that delves into the nature of Jesus Christ and His relationship to God and humanity. The opening verses declare, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Here, the concept of “the Word” (Logos) is introduced as both divine and pre-existent, drawing parallels to the creation narrative in Genesis 1:1 and emphasizing the unity and distinction within the Trinity.
Through the Word, all things were made, highlighting Jesus’ role in creation and affirming His divine authority and power. This echoes the message in Colossians 1:16-17, which speaks of Christ’s involvement in creating and sustaining the universe. The subsequent verses speak of life and light, portraying Jesus as the source of spiritual life and enlightenment for all mankind. The ongoing battle between light and darkness is depicted, with the assurance that the light will ultimately prevail.
John the Baptist is introduced as a witness to the light, preparing the way for Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy in Malachi 3:1. Despite coming as the true light into the world, Jesus was not universally recognized or received. However, those who did receive Him and believe in His name were granted the privilege of becoming children of God, as stated in verse 12. This aligns with the promise in Romans 8:14-17, where believers are described as adopted into God’s family.
The passage culminates in the proclamation that “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,” signifying the incarnation of Jesus. His embodiment of grace and truth is emphasized, reflecting both unmerited favor and ultimate reality. This mirrors the humility and humanity of Jesus described in Philippians 2:6-8. The passage concludes with the assertion that Jesus, as the one and only Son, has made God known to humanity, bridging the gap between God and His creation.
Today, these truths about Jesus’ divinity, incarnation, and role in creation remain as relevant and transformative as ever. Understanding Jesus as the light and life can bring hope and purpose in a world often shrouded in darkness and confusion. Consider the impact of someone finding new life and direction through faith in Jesus, illustrating the profound change that can occur through receiving Him.
Reflect on the eternal existence of Jesus as the Word, the mystery and miracle of the Word becoming flesh, and the embodiment of grace and truth in Jesus. Recognize Jesus as the divine Word, the light of the world, and the source of life. Contemplate your own relationship with Jesus and the profound implications of His incarnation and mission.
What does it mean to accept Jesus as God?
Accepting Jesus as God means recognizing that Jesus is the Word who was with God in the beginning, and that He is God Himself. This understanding acknowledges Jesus’ divine nature and the fact that He existed before the creation of the world. It signifies a belief in the Trinity – that Jesus is one with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, making Him worthy of worship and praise as God.
Furthermore, accepting Jesus as God involves acknowledging His role in bringing salvation to humanity. Believing in Jesus as God affirms His power and authority to forgive sins, offer eternal life, and reconcile us to God through His sacrifice on the cross. This acceptance requires surrendering to Jesus as the ultimate authority in our lives and following His teachings and commandments with faith and obedience. Accepting Jesus as God is a foundational aspect of Christian faith. It involves a personal commitment to trust in Jesus as the divine Son of God, Savior, and Lord, and to live a life that honors and glorifies Him. This belief shapes one’s understanding of the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and forms the basis of a relationship with God through faith in Christ.
Application
Imagine your daily grind – the juggling act of work and family. In this hectic world, John 1:1-18 reminds us that Jesus, the eternal Word, is with us. Embrace His light and let it shine through your actions. Share His love and hope in your workplace, at home, and with friends. Will you step up and become the beacon of Christ’s light our world desperately needs?
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.