John: The Word

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The Word (John 1:1-18)

The first 18 verses of John's Gospel are often called the prologue. However, they are not just an introduction to his book but a summary of his whole message. John first states the basic truths about Jesus that he wants to tell his readers and then proves what he says in the rest of the book.

Questions to consider:

1) Why does John call Jesus “the Word” (vs1,14)?

2) In vs1-5, what statements does John make about the Word? How do they help us to understand who Jesus is? How does John make sure that his readers do not miss the point he is trying to make?

3) Why do you think John introduces another person in vs6-9 (this is a different John, see notes below)? How does this link in with the first five verses?

4) In vs10-13, the rejection of Jesus by many is contrasted with his reception by a few. What do you think “receiving Jesus” means? What does it mean for someone to be a child of God? Does “believing in Jesus” simply mean believing that he existed?

5) According to vs14-18, how does Jesus show us specific features of God's character? What do the words “grace” and “truth” mean?

Notes:

v1 The Greek word which is translated “Word” in English is logos, which was used by philosophers in the first century to indicate the “first cause of creation”, the source of life. John takes this word and uses it as a title for Jesus. God wants to reveal himself to us through his word (see also Hebrews 1: 1-4) and Jesus is the full expression of God to us.

v3 Jesus is the creator of the whole universe. Colossians 1: 15-20; Hebrews 1: 1-4

v5 There are two possible translations of the Greek word here: John may have intended both meanings, i.e. darkness cannot understand or overcome light.

v6 This John refers to John the Baptist, who was a prophet sent by God to prepare people's hearts to receive Jesus. You can read about him in Luke 1:5-25, 57-80, 3:1-20 and also in John 1:19-34 .

v12 John uses a form of the word “believe” almost 100 times in his Gospel. His aim was to help his readers to place their trust in Jesus. Believing is not just a static, one-time event but a dynamic, growing, active process. It is not mere intellectual assent to the truth that Jesus is the Son of God but a willingness to humble ourselves and accept him as the only one who can satisfy the deep hunger of our souls.

v14 glory: awesome greatness, splendour, majesty
grace: a freely bestowed, undeserved gift (see also Ephesians 2:4-10) God's Riches At Christ's Expense
truth: is unchanging and absolute, and is based on who God is

1)	Why does John call Jesus “the Word” (vs1,14)?
2)	In vs1-5, what statements does John make about the Word? How do they help us to understand who Jesus is? How does John make sure that his readers do not miss the point he is trying to make?
3)	Why do you think John introduces another person in vs6-9 (this is a different John, see notes below)? How does this link in with the first five verses?
4)	In vs10-13, the rejection of Jesus by many is contrasted with his reception by a few. What do you think “receiving Jesus” means? What does it mean for someone to be a child of God? Does “believing in Jesus” simply mean believing that he existed?
5)	According to vs14-18, how does Jesus show us specific features of God's character? What do the words “grace” and “truth” mean?

v1	The Greek word which is translated “Word” in English is logos, which was used by philosophers in the first century to indicate the “first cause of creation”, the source of life. John takes this word and uses it as a title for Jesus. God wants to reveal himself to us through his word (see also Hebrews 1: 1-4) and Jesus is the full expression of God to us.
v3	Jesus is the creator of the whole universe. Colossians 1: 15-20; Hebrews 1: 1-4
v5	There are two possible translations of the Greek word here: John may have intended both meanings, i.e. darkness cannot understand or overcome light.
v6	This John refers to John the Baptist, who was a prophet sent by God to prepare people's hearts to receive Jesus. You can read about him in Luke 1:5-25, 57-80, 3:1-20 and also in John 1:19-34 .
v12	John uses a form of the word “believe” almost 100 times in his Gospel. His aim was to help his readers to place their trust in Jesus. Believing is not just a static, one-time event but a dynamic, growing, active process. It is not mere intellectual assent to the truth that Jesus is the Son of God but a willingness to humble ourselves and accept him as the only one who can satisfy the deep hunger of our souls.
v14	glory: awesome greatness, splendour, majesty grace: a freely bestowed, undeserved gift (see also Ephesians 2:4-10) God's Riches At Christ's Expense truth: is unchanging and absolute, and is based on who God is