John 1: "The Word Made Flesh" introduces the profound concept of the Incarnation, as the divine Word becomes human.
The Gospel of John stands apart from the other three Gospels with its distinctive emphasis on the divinity of Jesus Christ. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke offer detailed accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings, John’s narrative delves deeper into the theological implications of Jesus’ identity, presenting Him as the eternal Word of God. This unique perspective sets the stage for a profound exploration of Jesus' divine nature and His role in the salvation of humanity. The Gospel of John is not just a recounting of events but a deliberate theological exposition aimed at revealing the essence of Jesus Christ.
In John 1, the evangelist introduces the pivotal concept of "the Word," presenting it as both a foundational and transformative idea. This chapter begins with the famous declaration, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Through this profound opening, John establishes the pre-existence and divinity of Jesus, positioning Him as central to the creation and sustaining of the universe. The introduction of Jesus as the Word not only highlights His eternal nature but also sets the theological framework for understanding His incarnation and mission.
This initial chapter lays a critical theological foundation for the entire Gospel, emphasizing Jesus’ role as the Word made flesh. By asserting that the Word became human and dwelt among us, John underscores the significance of Jesus' incarnation in the divine plan for salvation. The emphasis on Jesus' divine pre-existence, His intimate relationship with God, and His role in bringing light and life to humanity offers a profound understanding of His mission. John 1 thus serves as a theological prologue, preparing readers for the deeper revelations of Jesus’ identity and purpose that unfold throughout the rest of the Gospel.
The Word's Pre-Existence and Creation
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-5, KJV)
John opens his gospel by affirming the eternal existence and divinity of "the Word" (Logos). The Word was with God and was God, emphasizing the inseparable relationship within the Godhead. Furthermore, John asserts that the Word was the agent of creation, bringing all things into existence. In Him is life and the light of humanity, shining in the darkness, although the darkness could not fully comprehend it.
John the Baptist's Testimony
"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light." (John 1:6-8, KJV)
John introduces John the Baptist, sent by God as a witness to testify about the true Light, who is Jesus Christ. The Baptist's role was to prepare the way for the coming Messiah, not to be the Light himself.
The Word's Coming to the World
"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:9-13, KJV)
John reiterates the identity of Jesus as the true Light that enlightens every person who enters the world. Despite being the Creator of the world, when He came into it, the world did not recognize Him. Jesus came to His own people, but they rejected Him. However, those who received Him and believed in His name were granted the privilege of becoming children of God, born of God's will rather than human will.
The Word Incarnate
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me, for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." (John 1:14-18, KJV)
In these profound verses, John declares that the Word became flesh, dwelling among humanity. John and others witnessed Jesus' glory, recognizing Him as the only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. John the Baptist testified about Jesus' preeminence and how all have received grace upon grace from His fullness. Jesus brought grace and truth that surpasses the law given through Moses. He is the unique revealer of God, being in the bosom of the Father.
John the Baptist's Testimony about Himself
"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose." (John 1:19-28, KJV)
The religious leaders inquire about John the Baptist's identity, asking if he is the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet. John clarifies that he is none of these, but he is the one prophesied by Isaiah, preparing the way for the Lord. John baptizes with water but acknowledges the presence of someone among them, the Messiah, whom they do not recognize. John humbly states that he is not even worthy to unloose the sandals of the coming Christ.
John the Baptist's Testimony about Jesus
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God." (John 1:29-34, KJV)
John the Baptist testifies about Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the world's sin. He acknowledges that Jesus, though coming after him, is preferred because He preexisted John. John emphasizes that he did not initially recognize Jesus, but God revealed Him through the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Him during His baptism. John declares that Jesus is the Son of God and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
The First Disciples of Jesus
"Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard," (John 1:35-40, KJV)
Two of John the Baptist's disciples hear his testimony about Jesus and begin to follow Him. Jesus invites them to see where He dwells, and they spend the day with Him.
"And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone." (John 1:42, KJV)
One of the disciples, Andrew, brings his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus. Jesus immediately identifies Simon and gives him the name Cephas (Peter), which means "a stone."
More Disciples Called
"The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." (John 1:43-45, KJV)
Jesus calls Philip to follow Him, and Philip, in turn, brings Nathanael, declaring that they have found the one foretold in the Law and the prophets, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
"And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see." (John 1:46, KJV)
Nathanael expresses skepticism about Nazareth, but Philip invites him to come and see for himself.
"Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel." (John 1:47-49, KJV)
As Nathanael approaches, Jesus praises his sincerity. Nathanael is astonished by Jesus' knowledge of him, and he acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel.
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (John 1:50-51, KJV)
Jesus promises Nathanael that he will witness even greater miracles and heavenly signs. He declares that heaven will open, and angels will ascend and descend upon Him, emphasizing His unique role as the Son of Man.
Conclusion
John 1 is a rich and profound chapter that lays the theological foundation for the Gospel of John. It introduces the concept of "the Word" as the eternal and divine entity, identifies Jesus as the Word made flesh, and highlights the testimony of John the Baptist and the first disciples. This chapter emphasizes the pre-existence, divinity, and salvific role of Jesus Christ. It invites readers to come and see, just as the first disciples did, and recognize Jesus as the Son of God and the promised Messiah who brings light, grace, and truth to the world. John 1 sets the stage for the transformative ministry and teachings of Jesus that will follow in the Gospel of John.
COMMENTS