Imagine meeting someone who holds the secret to life's biggest questions. In John 1, we encounter Jesus, introduced as the Word, who was not only with God but was God. This profound opening sets the stage for everything that follows.
The Reading: John 1
World English Bible1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
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2 The same was in the beginning with God.
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3 All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made.
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4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
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5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.
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6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.
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7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him.
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8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.
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9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.
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10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him.
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11 He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him.
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12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:
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13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
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14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.
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15 John testified about him. He cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.’”
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16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.
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17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
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18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.
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19 This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
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20 He declared, and didn’t deny, but he declared, “I am not the Christ.”
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21 They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.”
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22 They said therefore to him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
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23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”
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24 The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees.
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25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”
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26 John answered them, “I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don’t know.
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27 He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to loosen.”
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28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
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29 The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
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30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.’
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31 I didn’t know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that he would be revealed to Israel.”
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32 John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him.
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33 I didn’t recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water, he said to me, ‘On whomever you will see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’
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34 I have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
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35 Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples,
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36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
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37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
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38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), “where are you staying?”
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39 He said to them, “Come, and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour.
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40 One of the two who heard John, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.
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41 He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is, being interpreted, Christ).
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42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).
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43 On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
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44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.
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45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
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46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
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47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
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48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
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49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”
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50 Jesus answered him, “Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!”
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51 He said to him, “Most certainly, I tell you all, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Word and Creation
John 1 starts with the declaration that 'In the beginning was the Word.' This Word is not just a collection of letters; it's a powerful force that existed before everything. It stands for Jesus, who is both with God and is God. Through Him, everything came into being, meaning He is central to all of creation.
Light Overcoming Darkness
The chapter then introduces a contrast between light and darkness. Jesus brings light to humanity, illuminating our lives with hope and truth. Despite this brightness, many in the world did not recognize Him. Imagine being so close to the light yet remaining in darkness - this is the reality for many.
John the Baptist's Role
Enter John the Baptist, a pivotal figure who came to prepare the way for Jesus. He boldly declares that he is not the Christ but points others to the One who is. He emphasizes that Jesus is the true light that brings enlightenment to everyone.
The Word Becomes Flesh
The chapter climaxes with the revelation that 'the Word became flesh.' This means that God took on human form in Jesus. He lived among people, showcasing His glory and sharing grace and truth. People saw something extraordinary in Him, yet there were still those who rejected Him.
Becoming Children of God
However, for those who accepted and believed in Him, a beautiful promise is offered: the right to become children of God. This relationship with God is not based on ancestry or human effort but is a divine gift to anyone who believes.
The First Disciples
The chapter concludes with the calling of the first disciples, including Andrew and Peter. They recognize Jesus as the Messiah and begin to follow Him. Their initial curiosity ('Come and see') invites us to explore who Jesus is and what He offers to each of us.
Why It Matters
Recognizing the Light
John 1 teaches us about the importance of recognizing the light in our lives. Jesus is portrayed as the light that dispels darkness. Just like those in the time of Jesus, we can also overlook this light in our busy lives. Take a moment to reflect - where is the light in your life?
The Invitation to Belong
The chapter emphasizes that anyone can become a child of God. This truth is empowering and inviting. It's not about earning God's love; it's about accepting it. This message is crucial in today's world where many seek belonging and purpose.
The Role of Witnesses
John the Baptist serves as a model for how we can share our faith. His role was to point others to Jesus, and we can do the same in our lives. Whether through our actions or words, we can help others discover the light. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of faith, consider exploring a community near you - find a church near you through Sancta.
Curiosity and Exploration
Lastly, the inquisitive nature of the first disciples reminds us that asking questions about our faith is essential. Jesus invited them to 'come and see,' encouraging us to seek and explore our beliefs actively. Don't be afraid to explore your faith journey!
Coming Up Next: John 2
In the next part of the journey, John 2, we will witness Jesus perform His first miracle at a wedding in Cana. This event not only reveals His power but also His understanding of human joy and needs. Stay tuned to discover more!