John 1

The first chapter of John’s Gospel serves as a profound introduction to the nature and identity of Jesus Christ. It opens by establishing Jesus as the Word of God who was with God the Father and was divine, setting a foundational understanding of His divinity. John also highlights the role of John the Baptist, who prepares the way for Jesus, and describes the significance of Jesus becoming flesh to dwell among humanity. This chapter introduces themes of light, life, and belief, inviting readers to understand Jesus as the source of spiritual truth and salvation.

John 1:1 (NKJV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.



John 1:2-5 (NKJV)
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

This passage states that from the very beginning, the Word was with God and was instrumental in all of creation; everything that was created came into existence through Him, affirming His integral role and divine authority. This narrative underscores that the Word gave life, and this life brought light to humanity.

The life of the Word is depicted as a light that shines forth in the darkness. In this context, the light represents Christ’s truth and divine life, illuminating the moral and spiritual darkness of a fallen world. John 1:5 powerfully concludes with, "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." The NKJV uses the word "comprehend," which is often considered inaccurate; "overcome" is likely the more appropriate translation. This interpretation highlights the enduring and victorious nature of Christ’s light. It signifies that despite the pervasive presence of sin and evil, represented by darkness, they are incapable of extinguishing or subduing the light of Christ. His divine truth and moral purity remain unconquerable and continue to shine forth, offering hope and guidance to all of humanity.

John 1:6-8 (NKJV)
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

John the Baptist is introduced here as a prophet sent by God with a clear purpose: to testify about Jesus, the true Light. John’s role was not to be the Light but to prepare the way for Jesus and encourage people to believe. By highlighting John’s mission, the passage emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the ultimate source of truth and salvation, with John as His forerunner.

John 1:9-13 (NKJV)
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Jesus is described as the "true Light," meant for all humanity. Despite creating the world, He faced rejection from it, especially from His own people. Yet, those who accepted Him received the privilege of becoming God’s children—a spiritual rebirth initiated by God’s will rather than human effort. This passage reflects the transformative power of faith in Christ and the new identity believers receive as members of God's family.

John 1:14 (NKJV)
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

This verse reveals that Jesus, the Son of God, took on human form to live among humanity. As the "Word," He is the perfect expression of God's character, sent to reveal God's grace, truth, and love in a way we can understand. By becoming flesh, Jesus demonstrated God's holiness, mercy, compassion, and faithfulness through His life, teachings, and actions. The "glory" seen in Him reflects His unique relationship with the Father, not as God Himself, but as His Son, fully representing the Father to bridge the gap between God and humanity. Through Jesus, we gain a clearer understanding of who God is and His desire for a relationship with us.

John 1:15-18 (NKJV)
15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’”
16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

This passage highlights John the Baptist's testimony and the unique role of Jesus in revealing God to humanity. John the Baptist declares that Jesus, though coming after him, is greater because He existed before him, affirming Jesus' pre-existence and divine origin. The passage emphasizes that through Jesus, the fullness of God's grace is available, contrasting it with the law given through Moses, which revealed God's standards but could not provide the transformative grace found in Christ. Verse 18 underscores that no one has seen God, but Jesus, as the only begotten Son who is in close relationship with the Father, has made Him known. These verses emphasize Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God's character, bringing grace, truth, and a personal understanding of God that was not accessible through the law alone.

John 1:19-28 (NKJV)
19 Now 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 Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
23 He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.
25 And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
26 John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know.
27 It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.”
28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

John the Baptist clarifies his role to the religious leaders who questioned his identity, denying that he is the Messiah, Elijah, or the expected Prophet. Instead, he identifies himself as the "voice" preparing the way for the Lord, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. By baptizing with water, John’s mission is to prepare people for the One greater than him—Jesus—whose greatness John humbly acknowledges. This testimony reinforces John’s purpose as the forerunner, humbling himself before the Messiah’s significance.

John 1:29-34 (NKJV)
29 The next day John 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 is preferred before me, for He was before me.’
31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.”
32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.
33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” introducing Him as the one who will take away the sin of the world. This title connects Jesus to the sacrificial lambs used in Jewish worship, signifying His role in offering Himself to redeem humanity. John recalls that he recognized Jesus when he saw the Holy Spirit descend like a dove and remain on Him, a divine confirmation given to John by God. This moment not only validates Jesus' divine identity but also reveals His role as the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit, offering a deeper, spiritual transformation beyond physical baptism. John thus boldly declares Jesus as the Son of God, fulfilling his role as the one who prepares Israel to receive its Messiah.

John 1:35-39 (NKJV)
35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.
36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”
39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

John the Baptist again points out Jesus as the "Lamb of God," prompting two of his disciples to follow Jesus. When Jesus notices them, He invites them to spend time with Him, allowing them to personally experience His presence and teaching. This moment marks the beginning of discipleship as they seek to know Jesus more deeply, highlighting the importance of a personal encounter with Him.

John 1:40-42 (NKJV)
40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ).
42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

This passage describes Andrew meeting Jesus, recognizing Him as the Messiah, and immediately bringing his brother Simon to Him. When Jesus meets Simon, He gives him a new name, Cephas (Peter), which means "stone" or "rock." This name change symbolizes Peter's future role as a steadfast follower and key figure in spreading the gospel. However, this does not mean Peter is the foundational leader of the church. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church," where the "rock" refers to Peter's confession of faith that Jesus is the Messiah, not Peter himself. Christ is the true foundation of the church (1 Corinthians 3:11). This passage highlights the transformative power of Christ and the importance of bringing others to Him, as Andrew did with Peter, allowing Christ to shape their future roles in His mission.

John 1:43-46 (NKJV)
43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and 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 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Jesus calls Philip to follow Him, and Philip in turn tells Nathanael, identifying Jesus as the fulfillment of the Scriptures. Nathanael initially doubts due to Jesus' association with Nazareth, a town with a humble reputation. Philip’s simple invitation to “come and see” reflects faith that an encounter with Jesus will dispel any doubts, emphasizing the transformative power of meeting Christ.

John 1:47-51 (NKJV)
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
50 Jesus answered and said to 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, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

This passage records Jesus’ interaction with Nathanael, who is initially skeptical about Jesus being the Messiah. When Jesus reveals His knowledge of Nathanael’s character and prior location under the fig tree, Nathanael immediately recognizes Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel. Jesus responds by promising Nathanael that he will witness even greater things, including a vision of heaven opened and angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. This passage highlights Jesus' divine insight and authority, showing that He knows our hearts and calls us personally. The reference to angels ascending and descending recalls Jacob's dream (Genesis 28:12), emphasizing that Jesus is the true "ladder" connecting heaven and earth. It reminds us of Christ’s role as the mediator between God and humanity, offering assurance that those who follow Him will witness the glory of His divine mission.