A Study Of John 1:1-14
A study of John 1:1-14 reveals the Word is preexistent and eternal, God’s agent for creation and salvation, and the physical revelation of God as man.
Background:
The Gospel of John was written by John the apostle near the end of his life around 80-95 AD. And identifies himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” At this time in history, original Jewish leaders like Peter, James the brother of Jesus, and Paul had been martyred and there were more Gentiles in the Christian church than Jews. It is this mixed audience that John writes to.
A study of John 1:1-14 reveals Jesus is the preexistent and eternal God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (ESV, John 1:1-2)
Who is Jesus Christ? This was the central question during Jesus’ earthly ministry, among the early churches, and we still ask it today. The Gospel of John provides a clear answer. And he does so by going back to the beginning.
The Greek word for “beginning” in John is arche, which means beginning, origin, and first cause. And the Hebrew word for “beginning” in Genesis is berēʾšît, which means beginning, first, or first fruits. Both point to the beginning of creation.
John strategically refers to Jesus as the “word” which is the Greek word logos. It had a unique meaning to both groups in his audience.
Word = Logos
To the Jews, “word” carries power. God spoke the world into existence. Jesus calmed a raging storm with commanding words. And God’s written word communicates his covenantal law and reveals his will. However, to the Greeks, logos meant reason. The Stoics said logos was the divine rational principle that brought order to chaos, pervaded all things, and structured the cosmos.
And now, John makes an audacious claim. The Word was present at the time of creation, which means he is eternal and preexistent. Furthermore, he was with God and was God. In other words, he is a different person, but has the same divine essence as God the Father. The second person of the trinity composed of God the Father, Son, and Spirit.
A study of John 1:1-14 reveals Jesus is God’s agent for creation and the light of men
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (ESV, John 1:3)
The world did not evolve by chance. A random, uncaused spark out of nothingness that exploded into somethingness–a completely ordered universe of marvel and wonder. Rather, it was intentional. An Almighty design from divine imagination, yet precisely engineered and structured for mankind. And not just made by the Word, but held together by him too.
They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. (ESV, Ephesians 4:18)
But the Word is also a light for humanity. Because shortly after creation, the sin of Adam and Eve plunged the world into spiritual darkness. One that separates us from God and we can’t fix on our own. But the Word illuminates the way back to God.
REFLECTION:
- How do you answer the question: Who is Jesus?
- Describe the background story that forms your spiritual life today.
- Do you relate more to the Jewish or Greek concept of logos? Explain your thoughts.
- Describe your understanding of spiritual darkness. How is Jesus a light for you?
A study of John 1:1-14) reveals Jesus is God’s agent for salvation
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (ESV, John 1:12-13)
You’d think everyone would run to the light. But that is not the case and John readily admits it. Many people reject Jesus for different reasons. However, those who turn from spiritual darkness to the light and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord are spiritually reborn as children of God.
The Greek word for “believe” is pisteuō and means to trust, rely on, and cling to. It indicates that belief in Jesus is more than intellectual assent. Like believing in the existence of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. A superficial belief that requres nothing from you. Belief in Jesus involves a personal commitment. A willingness to follow Jesus as a disciple. To put your eternal life in his hands and trust him for the salvation that only he offers.
A study of John 1:1-14 reveals that Jesus is the physical revelation of God as man.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son. (ESV, John 1:14)
Jesus didn’t simply put on a human form, like a set of clothes. He was fully human and fully God. And he experienced human life in every way that we do. The uncertainties, fears, hardships, pain, emotions, and temptations. Therefore, he understands our struggles. And he guides and supports us as we strive to follow him.
In Jesus, we see the Father. Through him, we are relationally restored with God. And by following him, we glorify God as we walk by faith in his righteousness.
REFLECTION:
- Read Hebrews 1:3. How does it support what John says in this passage?
- What is significant about the fact that Jesus is the agent of both creation and the spiritual recreation of mankind?
- Belief is more than intellectual assent. Describe in your own words what you think belief in Jesus involves.
- John makes it clear that Jesus is God in a completely human form. Why is this an important truth?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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