Main Point

The apostle John introduces the Story (not just of the Gospel of John but of the Story of the world). He does this by introducing us to the Main Character, His Witness, His Message, and His Mission.

John 1:1–18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

Observation Questions

1. What does John say about the main character of the Story? Read John 1:1–5.

2. What is Christ’s witness? And how is he described? Read John 1:6–8.

3. What was the reaction of the people to Christ’s message? Read John 1:9–13.

4. John says in verse 18 that “no one has ever seen God.“ How does God graciously solve this problem? Read John 1:14–18.

Application Questions

1. If a Jehovah’s Witness came knocking on your door and (in your conversation he) stated that “Jesus is not God“ how would you respond?

2. What does it mean to “believe“ in Jesus’ name? (Hint: read John 1:9–12 for your answer).

3. What are some ways we can actively pursue seeing Jesus’ glory? And what are some ways we can actively reflect that glory in our families, small groups, and community?