The Gospel of John is unique among the four canonical gospels. Written by John, the beloved apostle, it stands out for its profound theological approach and for emphasizing the divinity of Jesus Christ from the beginning. Chapter 1, in particular, serves as a prologue of sorts, presenting Jesus as the Word, or Word of God, who became flesh.
Verse 1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This verse establishes the eternal preexistence of Jesus Christ as the Word. He existed before the creation of the world and was in intimate communion with God, revealing his divine nature. This statement resonates with the Genesis account of creation, where God speaks and brings light and life into existence. Here the Word is identified as an integral part of this creative act, implying its divine authority and power.
Verses 2-3: “He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him nothing was made that was made.”
These verses emphasize the Word’s active participation in creation. Not only was he present at the beginning, but all things were made through him. This highlights not only the divinity of Jesus, but also his sovereignty over all creation. This idea is echoed elsewhere in Scripture, such as Colossians 1:16 , where Paul writes that “by him all things were created.”
Verses 4-5: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it.”
Here, life and light are attributed to the Word, which is Jesus Christ. He is the source of spiritual life and enlightenment for humanity. However, although the light came into the world, many did not recognize or receive it. This points to the nature of human unbelief and the need for the work of the Holy Spirit to enlighten hearts and bring spiritual understanding.
Verses 6-8: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for a testimony, that he might testify of the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but that he might testify of the light.”
Here, John the Baptist is introduced as a witness to the light, pointing to the imminent arrival of Jesus Christ. He came preparing the way for the Messiah and calling people to repentance. Although important, John the Baptist recognizes his position as a forerunner and declares that he is not the light itself, but came to testify to it.
Verses 9-13: “There was the true light, which enlightens every man who comes into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world did not know him. He came to what was his, and his people did not receive him. But as many as received him, he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name; Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
These verses highlight the world’s initial rejection of Jesus, despite being the source of light and life. However, those who receive it are granted the privilege of becoming children of God. This highlights the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and emphasizes that the new spiritual birth is a gracious work of God.
Verses 14-18: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified of him, and cried out, saying: This was he of whom I said, He that cometh after me is before me, because he was before me. And we all also receive from his fullness, and grace for grace. Because the law was given by Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. God has never been seen by anyone. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has revealed him.”
John ends by saying that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, like Jesus Christ. It reveals the divine glory of Jesus, full of grace and truth. John the Baptist testifies to Jesus as superior to him in position and in eternity. The incarnation of Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of the divine promise and the definitive manifestation of grace and truth.
Conclusion:
The first chapter of the Gospel of John lays a solid foundation for understanding the person and purpose of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes his divine pre-existence, his role in creation, his incarnation as the Word made flesh, and his ability to grant life and sonship to all who believe in him. It is an invitation for all to come into the light of Christ and experience the fullness of his grace and truth.
