“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John opens his Gospel with a thunderclap. Before anything existed—before time, before light, before breath—the Word already was. This is one of my favorite verses because it leaves no room for confusion about who Jesus is. He is not merely a teacher or prophet. He is the eternal God—the One who was, who is, and who is to come. The Alpha and the Omega. The Word in Genesis and the Word in Revelation.
And then comes the mystery that should make us tremble: The Creator came down to the creature… and then became the creature to save the creature. Who is like our God? Truly—no one.
He is the Light, and to all who believe, He gives that same light so that we may become His children. John writes, “But to all who did receive him… he gave the right to become children of God” (v. 12). What kind of God robes Himself in flesh to dwell with those He created? What kind of God chooses mercy over punishment, sending His own Son to die in our place? What kind of God stoops so low so that we could be lifted up?
There is none like Him.
Discussion Questions
What part of John 1:1 stirs your heart the most
How does thinking of Jesus as “Light” shape the way you see Him
What does it mean to you personally to be called a “child of God”
John the Witness — Pointing to the Lamb
John the Baptist understood his role. He wasn’t the Light—he was the lamp pointing toward it. He wasn’t the Messiah—he was the voice preparing the way. When Jesus appeared, John didn’t hesitate: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (v. 29).
John baptized Jesus—not because Jesus needed cleansing, but because Jesus humbled Himself to walk the path we walk. He entered the waters with us. He identified with us. And the Spirit descended like a dove, marking Him as the Son of God.
What kind of Gospel is this? A God who comes low so that we can be brought near.
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you about John’s humility and clarity of purpose
Why do you think Jesus chose to be baptized even though He was sinless
Light in the Darkness — A New Creation
John’s Gospel echoes Genesis intentionally. In the beginning, the earth was formless and empty until God spoke light into existence. In the same way, Jesus—the true Light—entered a world plunged into spiritual darkness after the fall.
Before Jesus, access to God required sacrifices, priests, rituals, and distance. But in Jesus, the gulf created by sin is bridged. The God who once asked, “Adam, where are you?” now asks, “Will you receive the One who saves the lost?”
No more hiding. No more fig leaves. Jesus Himself becomes our covering.
What animal skins and sacrifices could never accomplish, the Lamb of God accomplished fully. He removes our sin. He clothes us in righteousness. He restores relationship.
Discussion Questions
Where do you see “darkness” and “light” contrasted in your own life story
What does it mean to you that Jesus is your covering
“Come and See” — The First Disciples
As John 1 closes, Jesus begins calling His disciples—Andrew, Simon (whom He renames Peter), Philip, and Nathanael. These men didn’t have to search for Him. He found them. He made Himself available as their Rabbi, their mentor, their Lord.
To Nathanael He says, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you” (v. 48). Jesus sees us before we ever see Him. He knows us before we ever know Him.
And now, we no longer need fig leaves or fig trees for covering. We are covered by the blood of the Lamb—fully, completely, eternally.
What a wonder, that the creature can now be one with the Creator through the Son. Through Him, we receive grace and truth.
Amen.
Discussion Questions
How does it encourage you that Jesus “saw” Nathanael before Nathanael saw Him
Where do you sense Jesus inviting you to “come and see” in your own walk right now
