Introduction
Memory Text: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
Week one dealt with the end of the book of John, this week’s lesson is about the beginning. The beginning of the book of John give readers who already know Jesus an advantage that the characters in the book itself didn’t have. Through the history of Christ’s life as recorded in the gospel of John, you can find grand themes. This week’s lesson covers the prologue and summarize its major themes.
What depths of thoughts are contained in this amazing thought: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1)?
First, the evangelist alludes to the creation story in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning”. Jesus was already, before the beginning of the universe, hence John affirms Jesus’ eternal existence.
Next, “And the Word was with God.” This means that Jesus and the Father are intimately close.
And then, he says, “And the Word was God.” The Word was with God, as earlier stated points to the fact that Jesus and the Father are intimately close, the Word was God points to the fact that the Word has the characteristics of divinity. Jesus is God, the second Person of the Godhead.
How does John start his gospel?
John starts his gospel with “logos,” “Word.”
How does John use the term “logos” especially in contrast to the philosophies of his time?
The logos is a person; Jesus Christ, who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The logos is the Word of God. More important, God communicated; that is, He revealed Himself to humanity in the most radical way: God became one of us.
What major theme is presented in the gospel of John?
A major theme presented in the gospel of John is how people accept or reject the truth. While many Jews reject Jesus, there are gentiles who accept Him.
What does John say concerning those who receive Jesus?
John says that all who do receive Jesus as their Savior will become the children of God. This happens by believing in Jesus’ name.
What is the connection between the prologue and the conclusion of John’s gospel?
The introduction and conclusion form a kind of unity. The apostle presents in them why he wrote—that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, and that by believing you may have life in His name. This theme encloses all that occurs between them and they point to the overarching goal of the gospel of John—that people will be saved by believing on Jesus Christ as their Savior.
What does being a believer mean?
The greek noun pistis (Greek for faith/belief) never appears in the gospel of John. However, the verb pisteuō (believe) appears 98 times compared to 241 times in total that it appears in the New Testament. The use of the verb instead of the noun may point to something we do. Being a believer is about what we do, that is expressed in how we live and not just in a set of beliefs.
What is the major difference in John between believers and unbelievers?
The major difference between believers and unbelievers is how they relate to Jesus. Believers, who come to Jesus have an openness towards Him, even when He confronts or rebukes them. By coming to Jesus, Jesus, their Light shines on them and by faith, by believing they become children of God. Unbelievers, on the other hand come to Jesus to fight with Him, they love darkness rather than light. They judge rather than letting the Light from God show them where they stand in judgment.
What does the concept of glorifying God link to according to John?
The concept of glorifying God is linked to the concept of His hour, that is, the time of His death. While on a human level, Jesus died in agony, a despised criminal in weakness as particularly presented in Matthew and Mark, the glorious side of the cross is especially presented in Luke and John where the cross is a place of salvation, of mercy, and where the Son of God gives Himself to the Father. How ironic: God’s greatest glory is revealed in His greatest shame—bearing the sins of the world in Himself.
In Conclusion,
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). May God help us to be believers in Jesus’ name.
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