‏ John 1

The Divinity of Christ

Many people have found the opening verses of John’s Gospel very special. Some, like the philosopher Simplicius and the scholar Francis Junius, were deeply moved and even changed by reading these lines. John begins his Gospel by making a strong statement: Jesus Christ is truly God, united with the Father. Let’s look at how John explains this truth.

v. 1: John calls Jesus “the Word” (ho logos). This is a unique name that John uses for Christ (1 John 1:1; 5:7; Revelation 19:13 ^a). In the Old Testament, the Messiah is sometimes called the "Word of the Lord." The “Word” can mean two things. First, it is like a thought in the mind—something that exists within. Jesus is the eternal wisdom of God, the Son who was always with the Father (Proverbs 8:22 ^b). Second, the “Word” can mean speech—how we express our thoughts. Jesus is also the one through whom God speaks to us in these last days (Hebrews 1:2; Matthew 17:5 ^c). He shows us who God is, just as words reveal what is in someone’s mind. John the Baptist was a voice, but Jesus is the Word—the Truth, the Amen, the faithful Witness (Revelation 3:14 ^d).

v. 2: John says, “He was with God in the beginning” (John 1:2 ^e). This means that before anything was created, Jesus (the Word) already existed. He was not only present before time began, but existed eternally, without beginning (Psalm 90:2; Proverbs 8:23 ^f). Jesus was always with God, sharing in his glory and happiness (John 17:5; Proverbs 8:30 ^g). The Father and the Son worked together in the plan to save people, even before the world began (Ephesians 3:9; 1 Peter 3:18 ^h; Zechariah 6:13; Matthew 11:27 ⁱ).

v. 3: John writes, “All things were made by him” (John 1:3 ^j). Jesus was not just present at creation—he was the one who created everything (Psalm 33:6 ^k). God made the world through Jesus, not as an assistant, but as an equal partner (Hebrews 1:2 ^l). Without him, nothing was made. This proves that Jesus is truly God, because only God can create all things (Hebrews 3:4; Isaiah 40:12, 28; 41:4 ^m; Jeremiah 10:11-12 ⁿ). Since Jesus made everything, he is powerful enough to save us and is the right one to bring us to God.

v. 4: John says, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:4 ^o). Jesus has life in himself—he is the living God. He is the source of all life, both physical and spiritual (Genesis 1:20; Acts 17:25 ^p; Matthew 4:4 ^q). He gives life and also brings light, which means understanding and wisdom. The life of people is special because it includes reason and the ability to know God. Jesus is the one who gives us this deeper life and understanding. He is the one who gives both eternal life and spiritual light to everyone who believes in him.

v. 5: John explains, “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it” . Even before Jesus came to earth, his light was shining in the world. People have a sense of right and wrong because of this light inside them (Romans 1:19-20 ^r). God also shone his light through the promises and prophecies in the Old Testament. But most people did not understand or accept this light. Many became confused by sin and ignored God’s message (Romans 1:21, 28; Job 33:14 ^s). Even the Jews, who had God’s Word, often did not recognize Jesus in their scriptures. That is why Jesus had to come, to correct misunderstandings and reveal the truth about God to everyone.

The Witness of John the Baptist

This section introduces John the Baptist, who was sent by God as a witness to prepare people for the coming of Christ. It explains John's role and how people responded to his message. The focus here is on John’s testimony about Jesus and how it pointed people to faith in Christ.

v. 6: The Gospel says, “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John” (John 1:6 ^t). John the Baptist didn’t come by his own choice or just because of his parents’ wishes. He was given a special mission by God. He was not the promised Christ, but God sent him to get people ready for Jesus’ arrival, and he was faithful to that work.

v. 7: John’s main job was to be a witness. He came to tell people about the “Light”—that is, Jesus—so that everyone might believe through him (John 1:7 ^u). John did not try to get people to follow him, but to point them to Jesus. God uses people like John to share the message of faith, but real faith must be in Jesus, not in the messenger.

v. 8: The text makes it clear that John was not the Light himself, but was sent to bear witness of that Light (John 1:8 ^v). John wanted everyone to know that he was just a servant, not the Savior. His job was to help people recognize Jesus as the true Light of the world.

v. 9: The “true Light,” which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world (John 1:9 ^w). This means Jesus is the real Savior who brings spiritual light and truth to everyone. John’s work was important, but Jesus is the one who can truly save and guide people.

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The Testimony of John the Baptist about Christ

This section focuses on the witness that John the Baptist gave concerning Jesus Christ. John openly declared Jesus’ greatness and explained how Christ surpasses everyone else. The verses show how John pointed people away from himself and toward Jesus, and explain the difference between the Old Testament law and the grace and truth brought by Jesus.

v. 15: John the Baptist gave clear testimony about Jesus. He told people, “He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me” (John 1:15 ^x). Even though John started his ministry before Jesus, he explained that Jesus is greater because he existed before John. This means Jesus is eternal and is more important than any prophet, even though he appeared publicly after John.

v. 16: John explains that from Jesus’ fullness, we have all received “grace upon grace” (John 1:16 ^y). This means Jesus gives us a never-ending supply of blessings and forgiveness. God’s kindness does not run out. Everyone who believes in Jesus receives more and more grace from him, beyond what anyone could get through the law alone.

v. 17: The verse says, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17 ^z). The law that Moses gave was good, but it could not save people or change their hearts. Jesus brings something better: true grace and truth. Through him, people can be forgiven and have a real relationship with God, which was not possible by following the law alone.

v. 18: The passage ends by saying, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known” (John 1:18 ^aa). This means Jesus is the only one who has truly seen God the Father and is one with him. When we look at Jesus, we see what God is like. Jesus reveals God’s character to the world. He is the only perfect and complete messenger of God’s love and truth.

The Testimony of John the Baptist to the Priests and Levites

This section describes how the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to question John the Baptist about his identity and mission. It shows John’s humility and honesty, and it explains the true purpose of his ministry: to prepare the way for Jesus, the promised Messiah.

v. 19: The leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask John, “Who are you?” . John did not try to make himself important. He did not claim to be the Christ or any other great person. He was honest and clear about his role.

v. 20: John confessed openly, “I am not the Christ” (John 1:20 ^ab). He knew many people were hoping that he might be the Messiah, but he did not want anyone to be confused. He spoke plainly and denied that he was the promised Savior.

v. 21: The priests and Levites asked him, “Are you Elijah?” and “Are you the Prophet?” John answered, “I am not” and “No” (John 1:21 ^ac). Although John came in the “spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17 ^ad), he was not literally Elijah or the special prophet Moses spoke about (Deuteronomy 18:15 ^ae).

v. 22: They pressed him, “Who are you? Tell us so we can give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” (John 1:22 ^af). The leaders wanted a clear answer to take back to those who sent them. They were not satisfied until John explained his identity and purpose directly.

v. 23: John replied by quoting the prophet Isaiah: “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’” (John 1:23; Isaiah 40:3 ^ag). John said his job was to prepare people for the coming of Jesus, not to promote himself. He was just a messenger, calling people to get ready for the Lord.

v. 24: Some of those who asked John were Pharisees (John 1:24 ^ah). The Pharisees were strict religious leaders who were careful about following the law and traditions. They wanted to know exactly why John was baptizing people if he was not the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet.

v. 25: They questioned him: “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” (John 1:25 ^ai). In other words, “Who gave you the authority to baptize?” They were surprised that John was doing something so important without claiming a great title.

v. 26: John answered, “I baptize with water; but among you stands one you do not know” (John 1:26 ^aj). John explained that his baptism was just with water, a sign to help people repent. But he pointed to someone much greater—Jesus—who was already among them, though they did not recognize him yet.

v. 27: John said, “He who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:27 ^ak). This means Jesus is so much greater than John that John did not even feel worthy to do the lowest job for him. John showed deep respect and humility.

v. 28: These things happened at Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing (John 1:28 ^al). This tells us the place where these events took place, while John was preparing people for Jesus through his ministry of baptism and preaching.

The Lamb of God Revealed

In this section, John the Baptist sees Jesus coming toward him and publicly points him out as the one who will take away the sin of the world. John gives testimony about who Jesus is, how he recognized him, and what his mission is. These verses highlight Jesus’ role as the Savior and the way in which John’s ministry prepares the way for him.

v. 29: The next day, John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him. He said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” . Here, John calls Jesus the Lamb of God—a title that points to Jesus as the true sacrifice for sin, like the lambs that were offered in the Old Testament sacrifices (Exodus 12:3; Isaiah 53:7 ^am). Jesus came to take away not just one person’s sin, but the sin of the whole world. This shows Jesus died for everyone, and his sacrifice is enough for all who believe in him.

v. 30: John explains, “This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me’” (John 1:30 ^an). Even though Jesus started his public ministry after John, Jesus is greater because he existed before John—meaning Jesus is eternal. John wants everyone to know that Jesus is much more important than himself.

v. 31: John says, “I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel” (John 1:31 ^ao). John admits that he didn’t know who the Messiah was at first. But John’s job was to baptize with water to help people get ready for the coming of Christ, so that Jesus would be shown to the people of Israel.

v. 32: John testifies, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him” (John 1:32 ^ap). This refers to Jesus’ baptism, when the Holy Spirit came down and stayed on Jesus. It was a sign from God that Jesus is the Messiah, the one God promised to send.

v. 33: John adds, “I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit’” (John 1:33 ^aq). God had told John that he would know the Messiah by this sign: the Spirit would come down and stay on him. Jesus would do a greater work than John—he would give the Holy Spirit to his people.

v. 34: John ends by saying, “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One” (John 1:34 ^ar). John is clear that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior the world needed. John’s testimony is meant to help everyone believe and follow Jesus as the promised Messiah.

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The Call of Andrew and Peter

This section shows how the first disciples began to follow Jesus. It started with just a few people—Andrew, another disciple, and then Peter. The beginning of Jesus’ church was small, but it was the start of something great.

v. 37: Andrew and another disciple heard John the Baptist call Jesus the Lamb of God, and they decided to follow Jesus. The other disciple is not named; some people think he was Thomas, but many believe it was John himself, the writer of this Gospel (John 21:2; John 13:23 ^as).

v. 38: When Jesus noticed them following, he turned and asked, “What do you seek?” He wanted them to think about why they were coming to him. Jesus always welcomes those who want to know him. His question teaches us to ask ourselves, “Why do I follow Christ? What am I really looking for—God’s favor, help, or just something for myself?”

v. 39: The two disciples called Jesus Rabbi (which means Teacher) and asked where he was staying. They wanted to spend more time learning from him. Jesus invited them, saying, “Come and see.” He wanted them to come right away, showing that it is best to act when we feel drawn to Jesus (2 Corinthians 6:2 ^at). They accepted and stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour (which could be either 10 a.m. or 4 p.m.). Spending time with Jesus, especially on the Sabbath, is always a blessing (Psalm 27:8 ^au).

v. 40-41: After meeting Jesus, Andrew went to find his brother Simon (Peter). He told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). Andrew was excited, and he wanted to share the good news. He did not keep it to himself, but wanted his brother to know Jesus too (Psalm 119:99; 2 Kings 7:9 ^av). This shows that when we learn about Jesus, we should also help our family and friends know him.

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v. 42: Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter, or “a stone”). Jesus already knew Simon’s name and family, showing his divine knowledge (Exodus 33:17 ^aw). Giving Simon a new name was a sign of Jesus’ special favor. The name “Peter” showed that Jesus wanted Simon to be strong and steady, like a rock. Jesus’ words gave Simon a new purpose, but this did not mean Peter was the only important disciple. Just as other disciples had special names, Peter’s name showed his role, but not that he was above all others (Revelation 2:17; Isaiah 62:2 ^ax; Acts 9:36 ^ay).

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

This section describes how Jesus continued to call his first disciples. After meeting Andrew, Peter, and others, Jesus finds Philip and invites him to follow. Philip then tells Nathanael about Jesus, and Nathanael comes to meet him. These verses show how the early disciples began to follow Jesus and how they came to believe in him as the promised Messiah.

v. 43: The next day, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me” (John 1:43 ^az). Jesus took the first step in calling Philip, just as he had done with the other disciples. This shows that it is Jesus who seeks us out and invites us into a relationship with him. Philip did not come on his own; Jesus called him personally and directly.

v. 44: Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter (John 1:44 ^ba). This verse tells us that many of the first disciples were from the same place. It shows how the message of Jesus can quickly spread among friends and people who know each other. When one person believes, they often share the good news with those around them.

v. 45: Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45 ^bb). Philip was excited about meeting Jesus and wanted to tell his friend Nathanael. He explained that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the one the Scriptures had spoken about. This shows that Jesus fulfills the prophecies in the Old Testament. Philip’s faith led him to share Jesus with others.

v. 46: Nathanael said to Philip, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see” (John 1:46 ^bc). Nathanael was doubtful because Nazareth was a small and unimportant town. He did not expect the Messiah to come from there. But Philip did not argue; instead, he invited Nathanael to come and meet Jesus for himself. This teaches us that the best way to deal with doubts is to invite people to learn about Jesus directly.

v. 47: When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47 ^bd). Jesus knew Nathanael’s character even before they met. He recognized that Nathanael was honest and sincere, someone who did not pretend or try to trick others. This shows Jesus’ divine knowledge of people’s hearts and thoughts.

v. 48: Nathanael asked Jesus, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you” (John 1:48 ^be). Nathanael was surprised that Jesus knew about him. Jesus explained that he had seen Nathanael even before Philip spoke to him. This showed that Jesus had supernatural knowledge and understanding.

v. 49: Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” . Nathanael immediately believed in Jesus and confessed that he was the promised Messiah, the Son of God. Seeing Jesus’ knowledge and understanding convinced Nathanael that Jesus was truly sent by God.

v. 50: Jesus said, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these” (John 1:50 ^bf). Jesus told Nathanael that if he believed because of this small sign, he would see even greater miracles and proofs of who Jesus is. Jesus promised that following him leads to deeper understanding and more amazing experiences of God’s power.

v. 51: Jesus added, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51 ^bg). Jesus referred to the story of Jacob’s ladder in the Old Testament (Genesis 28:12 ^bh). He explained that he himself is the way to God, the connection between heaven and earth. Jesus is the one through whom people can truly know and experience God.