John 1:1-18
Q.1. How did John convey the truth that the Word was truly God? – (Jn.1:1-5, 14 & 18)
The writer of Hebrews presented Christ as the latest and clearest message from the Father (Heb.1:1-2). Here John revealed that He is more than a message, but the co-Creator. Jesus, the Logos (Λόγος) is not only the message from God to man – He is God. – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God! (Jn.1:1). John further explained that the Word was not just words. Jesus ‘fleshed out’ God’s message to us. He expressed the truthful and gracious message of the Father fully, when – the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (Jn.1:14). Could John have been mistaken? Absolutely not. Later John recorded that Jesus declared that anyone who has seen and known Him has seen the Father (Jn.14:7 & 9).
Q.2. What was the role of John the Baptizer? How did people respond to him? – (Jn.1:6-8, 15)
John was a herald and witness, who testified to the Light – so that all might believe through him (Jn.1:7). Mark bore testimony to the revival that took place under John’s ministry – All the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins (c.f. Mk.1:5). Though John was about six months older than Jesus, he declared – This was He of whom I said, `He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ (Jn.1:15). He knew that Jesus was the Son of God (Jn.1:30-34).
Q.3. How was Jesus received by the world? What was promised to those who do receive Him? – (Jn.1:9-13)
Though He was the owner of the universe, Jesus was neither accepted by the world at large, or even by His own people, the Jews. However, consistent with his purpose for writing his Gospel, John declared that true believers are adopted into the everlasting family of God – But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name (Jn.1:12).
Q.4. What blessings did the apostle John gain from knowing Christ? – (Jn.1:14-17)
Though John (and James) had been nick-named – Boanerges (sons of thunder) by Jesus, he had been raised under the laws of Judaism. After becoming a follower of Jesus, John was transformed by the grace and truth that is in Jesus Christ (Jn.1:17). Even more, John described this lavish love he had received as continuous – grace upon grace (Jn.1:16). All penitent sinners can revel in the inexhaustible supply of God’s grace. We need that grace daily, just as we did at our conversion.