1. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the opportunity to gather as brothers in Christ to study Your Word. Open our hearts and minds to receive the truths in John 1. May we see the majesty of Christ, the eternal Word, and understand how His light transforms our lives. Lead us through Your Spirit and help us to apply these teachings in our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
2. Summary and Key Theme
Summary of John’s Gospel:
The Gospel of John focuses on the deity of Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and mission to bring eternal life. It was written to inspire belief in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the world (John 20:31).
Summary of John 1:
John 1 introduces Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos), through whom all things were created. It highlights Jesus’ divine nature, His role as the source of life and light, and His incarnation as God in human form. The chapter also introduces John the Baptist, who testifies about Jesus, and narrates the calling of Jesus’ first disciples.
Key Theme:
Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of God, the Light of the world, and the source of life and salvation.
3. Key Points
- The Eternal Word (John 1:1–5)
- Jesus existed before creation as the eternal Word of God.
- He is the Creator of all things and the source of life and light.
- John the Baptist’s Testimony (John 1:6–8, 19–34)
- John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus and to testify about Him as the true Light.
- John declares Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
- The Incarnation of the Word (John 1:9–14)
- The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing God’s glory, grace, and truth.
- Despite His role as Creator, Jesus was rejected by many but gave the right to become children of God to those who received Him.
- Jesus Calls His First Disciples (John 1:35–51)
- John’s disciples follow Jesus after hearing John’s testimony.
- Jesus begins His ministry by calling Simon Peter, Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael.
4. Scripture Breakdown
John 1:1–5 (ESV):
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…”
- Greek Insight: The term “Word” (λόγος, logos, Strong’s G3056) conveys divine wisdom, reason, and the means of God’s communication with humanity.
- Key Commentary: Jesus’ existence “in the beginning” parallels Genesis 1:1, showing His eternal nature and role in creation.
John 1:9–14 (ESV):
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world…”
- Greek Insight: “Dwelt” (σκηνόω, skēnoō, Strong’s G4637) means “to pitch a tent,” symbolizing God’s presence among His people, echoing the tabernacle in the Old Testament.
- Key Commentary: The incarnation reveals God’s grace and truth, as Jesus became fully human while remaining fully divine.
John 1:29 (ESV):
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
- Hebrew Insight: The term “Lamb” (seh, Strong’s H7716) recalls the sacrificial lamb of Passover (Exodus 12), pointing to Jesus’ atoning death.
5. Life Application
Life Application Point 1: Recognizing Jesus as the Source of Light and Life
- Example: In moments of uncertainty, we can seek Jesus’ guidance, trusting His light to lead us.
- Question 1: What areas of your life need Christ’s light to shine?
- Example Answer: I need His light in my relationships, where misunderstandings often arise.
- Question 2: How can recognizing Jesus as the Creator inspire trust in His plan?
- Example Answer: Knowing He created me gives assurance that He knows what is best for my life.
Life Application Point 2: Boldly Sharing the Gospel Like John the Baptist
- Example: Share your testimony about Christ’s work in your life with a friend or coworker.
- Question 1: What holds you back from sharing your faith?
- Example Answer: I fear rejection, but John’s example reminds me to focus on glorifying Christ.
- Question 2: How can your testimony encourage someone struggling to find hope?
- Example Answer: Sharing how Christ transformed my challenges can inspire others to seek Him.
Life Application Point 3: Embracing Your Identity as a Child of God
- Example: Reflect on how being a child of God impacts your daily decisions, such as choosing integrity at work.
- Question 1: How does knowing you are God’s child influence your confidence?
- Example Answer: It reminds me that my worth is secure in Him, not in worldly achievements.
- Question 2: What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God this week?
- Example Answer: I will set aside time daily for prayer and scripture meditation.
6. Weekly Challenge
Identify one specific way to shine Christ’s light in your daily life, such as offering encouragement to a struggling friend or volunteering to serve in your community. Pray daily for the strength to act on this opportunity.
7. Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the majesty of Jesus, the eternal Word. Help us to reflect His light in our lives, boldly share His truth, and live as Your children. Empower us by Your Spirit to walk in grace and truth this week. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
8. Personal Homework
- Memorize John 1:1–3 and John 1:14 (ESV). Meditate on these verses daily and journal how they deepen your understanding of Jesus’ identity.
- Write a one-page reflection on what it means that “the Word became flesh” and how this impacts your walk with God.