John 1
John 1
We’re thrilled to kick off a study diving deep into the Gospel of John. This episode and blog marks the beginning of our journey through one of the Bible's most profound and illuminating books. Let’s get into the heart of what makes John so special.
Introduction to the Gospel of John
Its vivid imagery and rich theological insights have always held a special place in our hearts. Today, we start with the opening verses, setting the stage for an exploration filled with profound truths and timeless wisdom. Here are a few ways John is distinct from the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke:
John includes content not found in the Synoptic Gospels, such as the Wedding at Cana, the conversation with Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well, and the raising of Lazarus. It also presents events and teachings differently or in more detail, like the extended Farewell Discourse (John 14-17) and the High Priestly Prayer (John 17).
The timeline and sequence of events often differ between John and the Synoptic Gospels. For example, John places the cleansing of the temple at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, while the Synoptics place it at the end.
John emphasizes Jesus' divine nature more explicitly. It opens with the profound theological statement, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This contrasts with the more human-centric portrayals in the Synoptics.
John features a series of “I Am” statements (e.g., "I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world") that underscore Jesus' divine identity and mission. These statements are unique to John and central to its Christology.
John uses rich symbolism and imagery, such as light versus darkness, the vine and branches, and living water. The Synoptics also use parables but generally in a more straightforward narrative style.
The Word Made Flesh
Beginning with John 1:1-5, Jesus is introduced as the "Word" who was both with God and was God. This passage ties into other scriptures, like Colossians, highlighting Christ’s divine nature and His role in creation. We see this introduction as a mirror to Genesis, weaving a continuous thread from the very beginning of the Bible. We also delve into the concepts of life and light in these verses, emphasizing that true, flourishing life is found in Jesus.
Light and Darkness
Next, let’s explore the powerful metaphor of light and darkness. Darkness is merely the absence of light, much like sin is the absence of God’s presence. Jesus, the light of the world, calls us to reflect this light just like the moon reflects a greater light source, the sun. The book of Ephesians also talks about bringing our sins into the light, allowing God’s grace to transform them into something beneficial for others. God can use the things that once brought us shame as a testimony to bless others and point them to the freedom offered in Jesus!
Ephesians 5:11-13 says, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”
John the Baptist's Role
We then shift to John the Baptist in John 1:6-8. Here, we clarify that John the Baptist was not the light but a witness preparing the way for Jesus. It’s crucial to distinguish between John the Baptist and the author of the Gospel, noting that John’s primary mission was to point towards Jesus. In verses 9-13, there is a focus on Jesus' arrival in the world and how He was not recognized by many. This fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy highlights the duality of Jesus—divine yet unacknowledged by many of His own people.
The Tabernacle and God's Presence
There is an insightful parallel between Jesus’ incarnation and the Old Testament tabernacle. Just as the tabernacle was where God dwelled among His people, Jesus comes to dwell among us without the barriers that existed before. This shift underscores God’s desire to be intimately present with humanity.
Grace and Truth
Moving on to John 1:14, we reflect on Jesus being full of grace and truth. We explore how this balance provides direction and purpose, contrasting it with the law given through Moses. Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, bringing grace and truth into perfect harmony. A helpful illustration is that of a row boat. If you only rowed with one row (grace) you would look silly and just go in circles. The same would be true if we attempted to only row with the other (truth). In order to move forward and grow we must walk, or row, in both grace and truth.
John the Baptist’s Testimony
In verses 19-28, John the Baptist clarifies his role as the one preparing the way for Jesus, not the Messiah himself. We highlight John’s reference to Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” symbolizing His role in atoning for sin, much like the Passover lamb.
The Calling of the First Disciples
Finally, we dive into John 1:35-50, where Jesus calls His first disciples. We’re struck by the power and simplicity of His invitation: "Follow me." This call is more than just an invitation—it's a challenge and a chance to witness His transformative ministry firsthand. It highlights the profound significance of daily commitment and the journey of truly walking with Jesus. Much like the old fable "The Tortoise and the Hare," we embrace a "tortoise mentality": steady, deliberate, and persistent, taking one step at a time, one moment at a time.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our time together, we encourage you to dive into the Book of John, engage deeply with its teachings, and share your insights with others. Leave us a review and share the podcast to help spread the understanding of God’s word.
Thanks for joining us on the Wake Before the Day podcast. Remember to read, pray, and share!
