- Introduction: Briefly introduce the prologue of John’s Gospel, its significance, and the major themes, such as the preexistence of Christ, His role in creation, and His mission to reveal God.
- Section 1: The Preexistence of the Word (Verses 1-5): Explore the Word’s eternal nature, role in creation, and its illumination of humanity’s spiritual darkness.
- Section 2: The Role of John the Baptist (Verses 6-
: Discuss the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist and his testimony about the light. - Section 3: The Incarnation and Revelation of the Word (Verses 9-14): Analyze the incarnation, Jesus’ coming into the world, and the blessings of spiritual rebirth through belief in Him.
- Section 4: John’s Testimony and the Fulfillment of the Law (Verses 15-18): Discuss John the Baptist’s role in declaring Jesus’ preeminence, the grace and truth brought through Jesus, and the final revelation of God through Him.
The Gospels in Today’s Language
1. Before anything else existed, the Word was already there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. This Word was there before anything else existed.
3. Through Him, everything came into being; nothing in the universe exists apart from Him.
4. He brought life, and that life became the light for all humanity.
5. His light shines even in the darkest moments, and the darkness has never extinguished it.
6. God sent a man named John to prepare people for this light.
7. John’s mission was to point everyone toward the light so that they might trust and believe.
8. John wasn’t the light himself; he simply prepared the way.
9. The true light—the one that illuminates every person—was about to enter the world.
10. Even though He created the world, the world didn’t recognize Him.
11. He came to His own people, but many rejected Him.
12. Yet, those who did welcome Him and believed in His name were given the incredible right to become God’s children—
13. not through biological means or human effort, but born into a new spiritual life through God.
14. This divine Word took on human form and lived among us. We saw His glory, the unmistakable brilliance of God’s only Son, full of grace and truth.
15. John the Baptist openly declared, “This is the one I was talking about! He’s greater than me because He existed long before I did.”
16. From His endless generosity, we’ve all received blessings upon blessings.
17. While Moses delivered God’s law, Jesus brought grace and truth into our lives.
18. No one has ever seen God face-to-face, but Jesus, God’s only Son, who is intimately connected with the Father, has revealed Him to us. // suggest how to bundle the verses, to provide a commentary afterward. each verse singularly is not needed
https://www.so4j.com/harmony-of-the-gospels-of-jesus-in-the-bible/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
The Preexistence of the Word (Verses 1-5)
John 1:1-5 introduces the profound concept of the Word (Logos) as eternal, divine, and central to creation and revelation. These verses lay the groundwork for understanding Christ’s dual nature as both fully God and fully man, bridging the Old Testament anticipation of the Messiah with the New Testament revelation of His divinity. The passage also highlights the Word’s role in illuminating humanity’s spiritual darkness, offering life and light to a fallen world.
Greek Terminology and Insights:
Greek Exegesis:
Greek Text: Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος, καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν Θεόν, καὶ Θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος. οὗτος ἦν ἐν ἀρχῇ πρὸς τὸν Θεόν. πάντα δι' αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ χωρὶς αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο οὐδὲ ἕν ὃ γέγονεν. ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν, καὶ ἡ ζωὴ ἦν τὸ φῶς τῶν ἀνθρώπων· καὶ τὸ φῶς ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ φαίνει, καὶ ἡ σκοτία αὐτὸ οὐ κατέλαβεν.
1. Ἐν ἀρχῇ (En archē) - Translation: "In [the] beginning" - Meaning: Echoing Genesis 1:1, this phrase emphasizes the Word’s existence before creation, affirming His eternal nature.
2. ἦν (ēn) - Translation: "was" - Meaning: The imperfect tense indicates continuous existence, underscoring the Word’s timeless presence.
3. ὁ λόγος (ho logos) - Translation: "the Word" - Meaning: Logos signifies divine reason, wisdom, and communication, embodying the preexistent Christ as the ultimate revelation of God.
4. πρὸς τὸν Θεόν (pros ton Theon) - Translation: "with God" - Meaning: The preposition pros denotes an intimate, face-to-face relationship, highlighting the Word’s distinct yet unified relationship with God the Father.
5. Θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος (Theos ēn ho logos) - Translation: "the Word was God" - Meaning: This phrase affirms the full divinity of the Word, emphasizing His co-equality with God the Father.
6. πάντα δι' αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο (panta di' autou egeneto) - Translation: "all things were made through Him" - Meaning: The Word is the instrumental agent of creation, underscoring His active role in bringing the universe into existence.
7. ζωὴ (zōē) - Translation: "life" - Meaning: Refers to both physical and spiritual life, which originate in and are sustained by the Word.
8. φῶς (phōs) - Translation: "light" - Meaning: Symbolizes divine truth, moral clarity, and the revelation of God’s nature through Christ.
9. σκοτία (skotia) - Translation: "darkness" - Meaning: Represents spiritual ignorance, sin, and separation from God.
10. κατέλαβεν (kateleben) - Translation: "overcome" or "comprehend" - Meaning: Indicates the inability of darkness to extinguish or understand the light, emphasizing the invincibility of Christ’s truth.
Correlating Scriptures:
- Genesis 1:1-3: The creation narrative parallels John 1:1-3, highlighting the Word’s role in creation.
- Colossians 1:16-17: Affirms Christ’s role as Creator and Sustainer of all things.
- Hebrews 1:1-3: Describes Christ as the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.
- John 8:12: Jesus declares Himself the "light of the world," connecting to the imagery in John 1:4-5.
- Psalm 36:9: "For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light," emphasizing the life-giving and illuminating nature of God.
Theological Implications:
- Eternal Preexistence: The Word’s existence "in the beginning" affirms His eternal nature, challenging any notion of Christ as a created being.
- Agent of Creation: The Word is the means through which all things were created, emphasizing His divine authority and active role in the universe.
- Source of Life and Light: The Word is the origin of both physical and spiritual life, offering illumination and salvation to humanity.
- Victory Over Darkness: The light of the Word shines undimmed in the darkness, symbolizing Christ’s triumph over sin and death.
Old Testament Prophecies Related to John 1:1-5
1. Genesis 1:1-3:
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth... And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light."
Connection: The creation narrative establishes the Word as the agent of creation, paralleling John 1:1-3.
2. Psalm 33:6:
"By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth."
Connection: Affirms the creative power of God’s Word, aligning with the Logos’ role in creation.
3. Proverbs 8:22-30:
"The Lord brought me forth as the first of His works, before His deeds of old... I was there when He set the heavens in place."
Connection: The personification of Wisdom as present at creation foreshadows the Logos’ role in John 1.
4. Isaiah 9:2:
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned."
Connection: The prophecy of light overcoming darkness aligns with John 1:4-5.
5. Micah 5:2:
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Connection: The Messiah’s eternal origins are affirmed, connecting to the Logos’ preexistence.
Notable Sermons on John 1:1-5:
- Sermon on John 1:1-14 by Martin Luther: Explores the theological depth of the Word’s incarnation and its significance for humanity.
- The Glory of Christ—Beheld! by Charles H. Spurgeon: Reflects on the majesty of Christ as the eternal Word and light of the world.
- God's First Sacrament – A Christmas Sermon On John 1:1-18 by Michael K. Marsh: Examines the incarnation as the ultimate revelation of God’s presence and grace.
The Preexistence and Role of the Word (Verses 2-5)
Verses 2-3: These verses reaffirm the Word’s eternal existence and His role as the Creator of all things. The emphasis on "all things" being made through Him underscores His divine authority and centrality in the universe. This aligns with the Genesis creation account and reinforces the doctrine of Christ’s preeminence.
Verse 4: The life in the Word is both the source of biological existence and the offer of eternal life. The light metaphor signifies divine truth and moral clarity, which Christ brings to a world shrouded in spiritual darkness.
Verse 5: The light shines undimmed in the darkness, symbolizing Christ’s victory over sin and death. The darkness’s inability to overcome the light offers hope and assurance of Christ’s enduring presence and ultimate triumph.
Undesigned Coincidences:
- The Eternal Word and Creation: John 1:1-3 aligns with Genesis 1:1, where God speaks creation into existence. The consistency between the Old and New Testaments in portraying the Word as the agent of creation strengthens the historical and theological credibility of the text.
- The Light and Darkness Motif: The theme of light overcoming darkness in John 1:4-5 is echoed in Isaiah 9:2 and Psalm 27:1. This recurring motif across Scripture highlights the unified biblical narrative of God’s redemptive plan.
- The Preeminence of Christ: The claim that "all things were made through Him" (John 1:3) is corroborated by Colossians 1:16-17 and Hebrews 1:2-3, which also affirm Christ’s role in creation and sustaining the universe. This multi-witness testimony reinforces the doctrine of Christ’s divinity.
- The Incarnation and Historical Context: The Gospel of John’s emphasis on the Word becoming flesh (John 1:14) aligns with the historical reality of Jesus’ life, ministry, and impact, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and attested by early Christian writings.
- The Rejection of the Light: John 1:5’s statement that "the darkness has not overcome it" is reflected in the Gospels’ accounts of Jesus’ ministry, where opposition from religious leaders and others fails to thwart His mission (e.g., John 7:30, 8:20).
The Role of John the Baptist ( Verses 6-8 )
John 1:6-8 introduces John the Baptist as a pivotal figure in the narrative of the Gospel. These verses highlight his role as a witness to the light, emphasizing his prophetic ministry and his mission to prepare the way for the coming of Christ. Unlike the Word, John the Baptist is not the light himself but is sent to testify about the light, pointing others to the true source of illumination and salvation.
Greek Terminology and Insights:
Greek Exegesis:
Greek Text: Ἐγένετο ἄνθρωπος ἀπεσταλμένος παρὰ Θεοῦ, ὄνομα αὐτῷ Ἰωάννης· οὗτος ἦλθεν εἰς μαρτυρίαν, ἵνα μαρτυρήσῃ περὶ τοῦ φωτός, ἵνα πάντες πιστεύσωσιν δι' αὐτοῦ. οὐκ ἦν ἐκεῖνος τὸ φῶς, ἀλλ' ἵνα μαρτυρήσῃ περὶ τοῦ φωτός.
1. Ἐγένετο ἄνθρωπος (Egeneto anthrōpos) - Translation: "There was a man" - Meaning: This phrase introduces John the Baptist as a historical figure, emphasizing his humanity and distinct role in God’s plan.
2. ἀπεσταλμένος παρὰ Θεοῦ (apostalmenos para Theou) - Translation: "sent from God" - Meaning: The participle apostalmenos indicates that John’s mission was divinely ordained, underscoring his authority as a prophet.
3. μαρτυρίαν (martyrian) - Translation: "testimony" - Meaning: John’s primary role was to bear witness to the light, serving as a herald of the Messiah.
4. φωτός (phōtos) - Translation: "light" - Meaning: Refers to Christ, the true light, as introduced in John 1:4-5.
5. πιστεύσωσιν (pisteusōsin) - Translation: "might believe" - Meaning: The purpose of John’s testimony was to lead others to faith in the light, emphasizing the evangelistic goal of his ministry.
6. οὐκ ἦν ἐκεῖνος τὸ φῶς (ouk ēn ekeinos to phōs) - Translation: "he was not the light" - Meaning: This clarification distinguishes John from Christ, ensuring that the focus remains on Jesus as the true light.
Correlating Scriptures:
- Isaiah 40:3: "A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’" This prophecy is directly applied to John the Baptist in the Gospels, identifying him as the forerunner of the Messiah.
- Malachi 3:1: "I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me." This verse foreshadows John’s role as the preparer of the way for Christ.
- Matthew 3:1-3: Describes John the Baptist’s ministry in the wilderness, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy.
- Luke 1:76-77: Zechariah’s prophecy about his son John, declaring that he will be called a prophet of the Most High and will prepare the way for the Lord.
- John 3:28-30: John the Baptist humbly acknowledges his role as the friend of the bridegroom, rejoicing in Christ’s increasing prominence.
Theological Implications:
- Prophetic Fulfillment: John the Baptist’s ministry fulfills Old Testament prophecies, particularly those in Isaiah and Malachi, confirming his role as the forerunner of the Messiah.
- Humility and Servanthood: John’s acknowledgment that he is not the light but a witness to it exemplifies humility and a servant’s heart, setting an example for all believers.
- Evangelistic Purpose: John’s testimony was designed to lead others to faith in Christ, highlighting the importance of bearing witness to the gospel.
- Distinction Between Prophet and Messiah: The clarification that John was not the light reinforces the uniqueness of Christ’s identity and mission, ensuring that worship and faith are directed solely to Him.
Old Testament Prophecies Related to John the Baptist
1. Isaiah 40:3-5:
"A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’"
Connection: This prophecy is directly applied to John the Baptist in the Gospels, identifying him as the one who prepares the way for the Messiah.
2. Malachi 3:1:
"I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me."
Connection: John the Baptist is the messenger prophesied to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming.
3. Malachi 4:5-6:
"See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes."
Connection: John the Baptist is identified as the Elijah-like figure who prepares the people for the Messiah’s arrival (Matthew 11:14).
4. Zechariah 1:76-77:
"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him."
Connection: Zechariah’s prophecy about his son John underscores his role as the forerunner of Christ.
Notable Sermons on John 1:6-8:
- Sermon on John 1:6-8 by Martin Luther: Explores the humility and purpose of John the Baptist’s ministry, emphasizing his role as a witness to the light.
- The Voice in the Wilderness by Charles H. Spurgeon: Reflects on John the Baptist’s prophetic ministry and his call to prepare the way for Christ.
- God's First Sacrament – A Christmas Sermon On John 1:1-18 by Michael K. Marsh: Discusses John the Baptist’s role in the broader context of the incarnation and the revelation of God’s light.
The Prophetic Ministry of John the Baptist ( Verses 6-8 )
Verse 6: John the Baptist is introduced as a man sent from God, emphasizing his divine commission and prophetic authority. His role is not accidental but part of God’s redemptive plan.
Verse 7: John’s purpose is to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. His ministry is evangelistic, pointing others to Christ as the source of salvation and truth.
Verse 8: The clarification that John was not the light ensures that the focus remains on Christ. This distinction highlights the uniqueness of Jesus’ identity and mission, while also underscoring John’s humility and faithfulness in fulfilling his role.
22. The lineage of Jesus traces a rich history, connecting Him both to King David and to Abraham. Matthew summarizes this ancestry, showing fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile in Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah:
23. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Perez, Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David. From David: Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah, Jeconiah. From the exile: Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abiud, Eliakim, Azor, Zadok, Achim, Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, Jacob, and Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.
24. Luke’s genealogy differs in several ways, starting with Jesus and working backward: Jesus, son of Joseph (as was thought), son of Heli, son of Matthat, son of Levi, son of Melki, son of Jannai, son of Joseph, son of Mattathias, son of Amos, son of Nahum, son of Esli, son of Naggai, son of Maath, son of Mattathias, son of Semein, son of Josech, son of Joda, son of Joanan, son of Rhesa, son of Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, son of Neri, son of Melki, son of Addi, son of Cosam, son of Elmadam, son of Er, son of Joshua, son of Eliezer, son of Jorim, son of Matthat, son of Levi, son of Simeon, son of Judah, son of Joseph, son of Jonam, son of Eliakim, son of Melea, son of Menna, son of Mattatha, son of Nathan, son of David.
25. Scholars explain that Matthew likely provides the legal lineage through Joseph, emphasizing Jesus’ royal descent and fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. Luke, however, may offer a biological line through Mary, highlighting Jesus’ connection to all humanity through David’s son Nathan rather than Solomon.
26. These differences are not contradictions but reflect the distinct purposes of the authors. Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the promised King of the Jews, while Luke underscores His role as the Savior of all people, rooted in both divine and human history.
