The Gospel of John

For the Next Semester in School, now that I have started College, I will be doing a verse by verse analysis of the Gospel of John and Book of Acts. I have decided to share these here on the blog. Hope you enjoy reading them and learning more about the life and works of our great and Glorious Saviour!

 

John 1:1-18

 

Title: The Manifestation of Jesus Christ

 

                This is the passage that introduces the book of John and the main character of this book to us. This character is Jesus Christ; the Word became flesh, the Son of God. Verses 1-3 show us how both God and the Word work in harmony as the Word was, “…in the beginning with God, and was God.” There is a closeness that speaks to the Word and God being the same, and having the same nature.

Just as we know God created all things, “In the beginning…” (Gen 1:1) The Word was also a worker in the event of creation. The Word, and God himself have not only created all things but are the source of everything including life, and light. This life speaks both to a physical sense of life but also the spiritual and eternal life that is granted through Jesus Christ. The light that has come into the world is definitely the gospel, and all Biblical truth. This truth has not been understood by the darkness and the spiritually dark world we live in. Although it is not understood the light will continue to shine and will not be put out by the power darkness holds in this earth.

                John now takes a dramatic shift in his flow of thought and begins to speak of John the Baptist. John was a herald of Jesus Christ who came to proclaim that the light was coming into the world. John was sent by God to be this witness. He testified about this light not being the light himself but rather proclaiming that the light was going to come soon.

                Jesus, who is the true light, came physically into the world. Even while being the creator of this world, the world did not acknowledge Him as such. Even the Jewish nation, who were his chosen people did not believe in him or recognize him as the Messiah. Because of their unbelief they rejected Him. But even amongst the unbelievers, some came to receive Him and He granted them the right to be the children of God. These people were born again by God.

                We now come to one of the most bold and direct statements concerning the incarnation of Jesus Christ in vs. 14. It says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” The supernatural second person of the God-head condescended to earth to take on mortal flesh. In this flesh we were given a glimpse of the greatness of the glory of God. While on earth, Christ’s glory was shown majestically in the transfiguration, resurrection, and ascension.     

                John spoke of Christ by literally calling out and proclaiming that Christ was higher than himself because He existed before him. This statement is astounding as John would have been born 6 months prior to Christ, so John confirms that Christ must be from God. This would explain how he could have existed before John.

                Because of the incarnation of Jesus, we have received abundant grace that was unmerited by our own efforts. For even if the Law of Moses convicts us of sin, Jesus Christ has made peace for us through God the Father. God the Father has been seen by no one but Jesus Christ the mediator between God and man; the one begotten by the Father, who has come to earth to explain who He is to us.

 

Personal Response:

                This entire passage speaks of Jesus Christ, the Son of God coming into this world. Verse 14 specifically says, “The world became flesh and dwelt among us…” John is saying that God himself, the creator of the universe came to this earth. As I think about what I know about God and why he came to this earth, I cannot help but realize that I must completely submit to his will in my life. Especially as a Christian, I must realize that Christ is not only my Saviour but also my Lord. He has supreme Lordship, and rule over me and I must obey what His word commands. I need to be submissive to all that Jesus teaches in his word allowing myself to be molded and shaped into His image. Even in areas that may not seem important, I must make Christ Lord over in my life. I have a responsibility to honour Him and also a desire. May I be completely submitted to His Lordship so that I will bring Him honour all the days of my life.     

 

Blessings,

Lucas C.