John 1:1-18

Introduction:

1. This prologue serves as a road map for what lies ahead in the gospel.

2. The focus is on the eternal Word which “…became flesh and dwelt among us…” (1:14) and all the blessings He brought to those who receive Him.

Discussion:

I. The Meaning of the Term (Gr. Logos)

A. Basic: “a communication whereby the mind finds expression” (BDAG)

B. In Greek thought: “the controlling Reason of the universe” (Tenney)

C. In Jewish thought: “the effective agent to accomplish God’s will, the creative and sustaining power of the universe” (Lipe; Psalms 33:6; God said, and it was; Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-3).

II. John’s Usage of the Word (1:1-9, 16-18)

A. John uses the term in a somewhat eclectic fashion from the above.

B. He preexisted and created the material realm (Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-3).

C. He brought life and light to men (Luke 1:76-79; 2:32; Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16).

D. He revealed the mind and will of God (1:16-18; Hebrews 1:1).

III. The Incarnation of the Word (1:9-14).

A. To accomplish this, the Word became flesh (1:14; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 2:14).

B. The ones He came to illuminate and enliven rejected Him; (3:18-21).

C. Yet, God’s Word still accomplished the goal (1:12-13; Isaiah 55:10-11).

IV. The Blessings He Brought (1:12-18)

A. Those who received Him, received the greatest of blessings, to become children of God (1:12-13; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Galatians 3:26-27; 1 John 3:1-3).

B. This right was granted by His grace and truth (1:14, 16-17; Titus 2:11-14).

C. The life-giving illumination in view resulted from Him making known the unseen God (1:18; 12:45; 14:9-10; 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16).

Conclusion:

1. The crux of John’s gospel is set forth in John 1:10-13; our eternal destiny is wrapped up in receiving or rejecting the Word (20:30-31).

2. This passage makes clear that Jesus must be out true center.

3. The big question is, what will we do with Jesus?