The Gospel of John

The Gospel of John introduces the profound truth that Christ was with God from the beginning and that He is God. This foundational belief is reinforced by various passages throughout the Bible, which highlight the eternal nature and divinity of Christ.
In the opening verses of John, we read: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made." (John 1:1-3). This passage unequivocally asserts that Christ, referred to as the Word, existed from the very beginning and played a crucial role in creation.
In the High Priestly Prayer, from John 17:5 Jesus speaks directly to the Father, saying, "And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began." This verse highlights Christ’s pre-existence and His sharing in the divine glory before the foundation of the world. Jesus' prayer reveals the profound reality of His pre-existence and divine glory shared with the Father. This eternal glory is further echoed in Jesus' declaration in John 8:58, "Before Abraham was, I am," connecting Him with the timeless and self-existent God. When the Jews challenged Jesus about His age, questioning how He could have seen Abraham, Jesus responded with a profound declaration of His eternal nature. This statement not only affirms Christ’s existence before Abraham but also echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God declares, "I AM WHO I AM."
The encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4:12 underscores Christ's role as the source of eternal life, offering "living water" that quenches the deepest thirst of the human soul. In His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, she questions if Jesus is greater than their father Jacob. Jesus reveals His divine nature by offering her "living water" that leads to eternal life. This passage's emphasis on Christ's role as the Source of eternal life, further affirms His divinity, as the Source of All Things.
Genesis 1:1 and 1:26 remind us, the triune God, including Christ, was actively involved in the creation of the heavens and the earth, reflecting His divine unity and purpose. The opening verses of the Bible state, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." The Hebrew word for God used here is "Elohim," which is plural, suggesting the presence of the Trinity. Later, in Genesis 1:26, God says, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness." This plurality further indicates the involvement of Christ in creation.

With joy and reverence, John opens this gospel acknowledging the eternal nature and divinity of Jesus Christ, Who is One with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. From the dawn of creation to the fullness of time, Christ has been the embodiment of divine glory and power. As John 1:1 proclaims, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This foundational truth affirms that Christ is not merely a historical figure, but the eternal Word through whom all things were made.
In these passages, we witness the harmonious testimony of Christ's divinity and His oneness with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Today's reading selection is only 10 verses, but they are crucial for our understanding of the New Testament, as they highlight the preparatory work leading to the arrival of the Messiah. The entire canon of the Old Testament points to the coming of the Christ, and in these 10 verses, we witness the culmination of this groundwork. This can be seen as the final "prequel," illustrating the last event that points forward to the Messiah's arrival. Following this, we will experience approximately three years of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry before waiting another 2,000+ years for His second coming. Every detail is significant. While the following may not fully capture every detail, it aims to highlight the interconnectedness and importance of each verse in God's Holy Word. This is how we should regard the entire Bible.

Jn 1:19. And this is the witness of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
The priests and Levites from Jerusalem were sent to question John the Baptist about his identity and mission. This questioning reflects the growing curiosity and speculation among the people about John's role in God's plan. (Luke 3:15-16: "The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.)

Jn 1:20. And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”
John the Baptist unequivocally denies being the Messiah. His clear and honest response sets the stage for understanding his true role as the forerunner to Christ. (Acts 13:25: "As John was completing his work, he said: ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is one coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’")

Jn 1:21. And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”
The priests and Levites then ask if John is Elijah or the Prophet, referring to prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures. John denies both identities, emphasizing his unique role. (Malachi 4:5: "See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes." Deuteronomy 18:15: "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him." Matthew 11:14: "And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.")

Jn 1:22. Therefore, they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
The questioners press for a clear answer, needing to report back to those who sent them. They inquire about John's authority and purpose. (John 1:25: "They asked him, ‘Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’")

Jn 1:23. He said, “I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”
John responds by quoting Isaiah 40:3. This self-identification points to his role in preparing the people for the coming Messiah. (Isaiah 40:3: "A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’" Matthew 3:3: "This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’")

Jn 1:24. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.
This is the introduction of the Pharisees, a significant religious group, mentioned as those who sent the questioners, highlighting the religious leaders' interest in John's activities. (John 3:1: "Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.")

Jn 1:25. And they asked him, and said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
This question reflects their concern about his authority and the significance of his actions. (Matthew 21:25: "John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?")
Jn 1:26. John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but among you stands One whom you do not know.
John explains that he baptizes with water, a symbolic act of repentance, but points to someone greater who is already among them, whose significance surpasses his own. (Acts 19:4: "Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’")

Jn 1:27. “This One is He who comes after me, of whom I am not worthy to untie the strap of His sandal.”
John demonstrates profound humility by stating he is not worthy to untie the sandals of the One coming after him. This act of untying sandals was considered a menial task, highlighting John's recognition of Jesus' supreme authority and holiness. (John 1:33: "And I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’" Mark 1:7: "And this was his message: ‘After me comes the One more powerful than I, the straps of Whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.’" Acts 13:25: "As John was completing his work, he said: ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’")

Jn 1:28. These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
The passage concludes by noting that these events occurred in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. This geographical detail places the events in a real, historical context. (John 10:40: "Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed.")

Recognize Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb, the Son of God, and the bridge between heaven and earth as you study this passage. Reflect on the transformative encounters of the first disciples and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies through Jesus Christ, that John was fully aware of.

The Lamb Who Takes Away the Sin of the World: John the Baptist identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." This declaration connects to Isaiah 53:7, which describes the suffering servant as a silent lamb led to slaughter. This imagery highlights Jesus' willing submission and His role as the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." Despite the immense suffering and injustice He faced, He chose to endure it without protest. His silent acceptance is likened to a lamb, an animal often associated with innocence and sacrifice, which foreshadows His ultimate role in taking away the sin of the world.

This is the Son of God: John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Son of God, fulfilling the messianic prophecy in Psalm 2:7. "I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain." This messianic prophecy points directly to Jesus as the Son of God. The installation of the king on Zion signifies the establishment of divine authority and kingship, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This verse underscores Jesus' divine sonship and His destined role as the Eternal King.

The First Disciples Follow Jesus: Two of John’s disciples, upon hearing John the Baptist's declaration about Jesus, followed Him at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, "and saw where He was staying." Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these two. He then went and found his brother and told him, “We have found the Messiah.” This marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry and the gathering of His first disciples, including Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael, and highlights the early recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by His first followers. Their immediate response to follow Jesus signifies the beginning of their transformative journey and the spread of His message.

Can Anything Good Come out of Nazareth? Nathanael’s skepticism is evident in his question, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" This reflects the common perception of Nazareth as an insignificant and unremarkable place. Nathanael’s expectations of the Messiah coming from a more prestigious location are shattered when he meets Jesus. Clearly many of the Jews were looking for the Messiah to come but how is it possible that a Messiah would come out of Nazareth? Clearly if Jesus is the Messiah, he is going to come from a better place than Nazareth. Nathanael was falling victim to his own expectations. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder that God’s plans often defy human expectations, and that greatness can emerge from the most humble beginnings.

An Israelite in Whom There is No Deceit: When Jesus refers to Nathanael as "an Israelite in whom there is no deceit," He is making a significant statement about Nathanael’s character. This is a play on the name "Israel," derived from Jacob, who was known for his cunning. By calling Nathanael a "true Israelite" without deceit, Jesus acknowledges his honesty and integrity. This revelation deeply impacts Nathanael, as it demonstrates Jesus' intimate knowledge of his heart and character even before they met.

When You Were Under the Fig Tree, I Saw You: When you read these words, and Nathananael's response, consider this passage from the Old Testament:
Jeremiah 12:3a But You, O Yahweh, You know me; You see me; And You test my heart’s attitude toward You. 

The Heavens Opened and the Angels Ascending and Descending:
"And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see THE HEAVENS OPENED AND THE ANGELS OF GOD ASCENDING AND DESCENDING on the Son of Man.” - verse 51
This statement alludes to Jacob's dream in Genesis 28:12, where a ladder reaches to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Jesus identifies Himself as the ultimate connection between heaven and earth, fulfilling the prophecy. This vision signifies the commencement of a new era where the divine and human realms are united through Him.

This chapter focuses on the events at the wedding in Cana and the cleansing of the temple. John begins by discussing Mary approaching Jesus about the wine problem, highlighting her awareness of His divine nature and capabilities, as well as her faith in His power. Jesus' response to Mary, which might seem abrupt, is a reflection of His adherence to God's divine timing rather than human schedules. When Jesus mentioned His "hour," He was referring to the culmination of His earthly ministry, including His crucifixion and resurrection.
Mary's confidence in Jesus' ability to handle the situation, shows her deep faith and understanding of His mission. John also delves into the significance of Jesus making a whip out of cords to cleanse the temple, emphasizing His zeal for the purity of God's house. The prophetic use of Psalm 69:9 illustrates Jesus' dedication and ultimate sacrifice. Jesus did not entrust Himself to the crowds because He knew the superficial nature of their belief. Here too John shows the need for Someone with divine authority to cleanse the temple, as the Jewish leaders had allowed its desecration for profit and convenience. Check out the questions and answers for this chapter in the attached PDF.