John 1

Exploring the Gospel of John: Unveiling the Word and the Light

We’re diving into one of the most profound books in the Bible—the Gospel of John. John’s unique way of expressing profound truths through powerful images and symbols is captivating, and it’s easy to see why we’re both drawn to this book. Let’s explore the beginning of John together, where we are introduced to "the Word" and the light that shines in the darkness.

The Word That Was in the Beginning

John begins with words that echo the opening verses of Genesis, establishing a deep continuity between the Old and New Testaments. He tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This profound statement connects us directly to Jesus. The "Word" in Greek, Logos, is not just a concept—it's a person, and that person is Jesus.

From the very start, John is showing us that Jesus is both eternal and essential to all creation. Everything was made through Him, and without Him, nothing exists (John 1:3). Jesus is not just a figure that enters the scene at a later point; He has always been. His existence and presence are foundational to all things.

But beyond just being the Creator, John points out that in Him was life, and that life is the light of all mankind (John 1:4). Life and light—these are intertwined. John reminds us that true life is found in Jesus, and the light He brings into the world is never overcome by darkness. It’s a message that resonates deeply: life in its fullest form is only found in Jesus.

Light in the Darkness

As we move forward, John expands on the imagery of light and darkness. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5). Here, we are reminded that the world—although filled with darkness—cannot extinguish the light of Jesus. Just as cold is simply the absence of heat, darkness is the absence of light. Jesus, as the light of the world, invites us to reflect that light in our lives.

What’s incredible is that we, as followers of Christ, are called to be children of light (Ephesians 5:8). It’s not just about us carrying light on our own; it’s about the light of Christ shining through us. And in this light, our weaknesses, our brokenness, even our past regrets, become transformed. When we bring our darkness into His light, He takes those very things and turns them into gifts for others. It's through the power of His Spirit that we reflect this light into the world.

John goes on to introduce us to John the Baptist, who came as a witness to the light (John 1:7). John the Baptist’s purpose was clear—he wasn’t the light himself, but he pointed others to the one who is. The entire focus of this Gospel is that Jesus is the light, and everything points to Him.

The Word Became Flesh

Perhaps the most astounding part of this opening passage is the declaration that "the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14). God’s desire wasn’t just to send a message; He came to be with us. The Creator of the universe, the source of all life and light, chose to enter our world as one of us. This is the beauty of the incarnation—God with us, Emmanuel.

In John 1:14, we see that Jesus' glory is revealed in His humanity. He is full of grace and truth, and it is through His life that we come to understand the heart of God. God didn’t need to be with us, but He chose to, out of love. This speaks to the depth of God’s heart for us—He wanted to be with His creation, to know us intimately, and to restore the broken relationship between humanity and Himself.

Grace and Truth through Jesus

In verse 17, we read, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” This is not a message that diminishes the law or dismisses its importance. Rather, Jesus comes to fulfill it and bring it to completion. The law served its purpose—it showed us God's holiness and revealed the sinfulness of humanity. But it was always intended to point forward to something greater: the grace and truth that are found in Christ alone.

Think of the analogy often used in the podcast: Scripture is like a dimmer light. In the Old Testament, we are introduced to the character of God, but the full picture is not yet visible. As we progress through the Bible, especially when we reach the life of Jesus, the light is turned on, and we see God in His full glory. Jesus is not here to overshadow the law; He is here to fulfill it. And in doing so, He makes the law complete. The law is still valid, but we now see its ultimate purpose fulfilled in Christ.

Seeing God through Jesus: The Radiance of God's Glory

In John 1:18, we encounter a profound statement: “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.” Here, we are reminded that in the Old Testament, God's presence was veiled, and the people could only approach Him through the tabernacle, with careful rituals and regulations due to His holiness. The full revelation of God was not yet given.

But in Jesus, the fullness of God has been revealed. Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as “the radiance of God’s glory,” and Colossians 1:15 tells us He is “the image of the invisible God.” Jesus is the full and final revelation of God’s nature, and through Him, we come to understand God's character and love in a way that was never possible before.

What a powerful shift this represents! The law was a picture, but Jesus is the reality. The tabernacle and its rituals were temporary means to encounter God’s presence, but Jesus is the true presence of God among us. His life, death, and resurrection show us the depths of God's grace, mercy, and truth in ways we could not have imagined.

The Lamb of God: Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Passover

In verses 29 and 30, John the Baptist makes a declaration that resonates deeply with the Jewish understanding of sacrifice: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” This statement would have immediately brought to mind the Passover lamb, whose blood protected the Israelites from death in Egypt. Jesus, as the Lamb, becomes the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Just as the Israelites were spared by the blood of the lamb, so we are spared from sin and death by the blood of Jesus.

The sacrificial system in the Old Testament was a constant reminder that sin requires atonement. But the sacrifices were never enough to fully cleanse. They pointed forward to the day when the true Lamb would come—Jesus Christ, who offers the once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. His blood is not just a covering; it is the means by which we are reconciled to God. As the Lamb of God, Jesus is the fulfillment of the atonement foreshadowed in the Old Testament.

In the simplicity of John’s words, we see the entirety of God’s redemptive plan unfolding. The Lamb of God has come to take away the sins of the world. And it is through Him that we are invited into a relationship with God, not based on our own righteousness, but on His grace and truth. This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Through Him, we see God fully and completely.