Book of John: Introduction
What we think about Jesus will dictate how we live our lives. John’s Gospel is not simply a story to be read—it is truth meant to transform. The apostle John’s task was monumental: to present Jesus as the eternal Son of God, the Logos, to Jews, Greeks, and Romans in the first century. The same challenge remains today—to know Him as He truly is and allow His Word to reshape us from the inside out.
Losing Focus and the Need to Refocus
Pastor Dean began with a personal story from a father-son golf tournament. He and his son Andrew lost their chance at first place by a single stroke—not because of lack of skill, but because of lost focus. Heat, frustration, and distraction caused a small mistake that carried large consequences.
That picture serves as a spiritual mirror. Many of us, weighed down by past hurts, disappointments, or struggles, lose focus in our walk with Christ. We let yesterday’s pain rob us of today’s obedience. We don’t lose salvation, but we lose joy, purpose, and effectiveness. The Gospel of John is an invitation to realign our focus, to set our eyes again on Jesus, the true prize.
The Old Testament Storyline and the Coming Messiah
Before diving into John, Pastor Dean reminded us that the Old Testament—all 39 books—point to Jesus. From creation to captivity, from the law to the prophets, every page whispers His name. Moses himself prophesied: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me… to him you shall listen” (Deut. 18:15).
From 1400 BC to 400 BC, God’s people repeatedly turned from Him. The prophets announced hope, yet the people rejected Him. Malachi closed the Old Testament with a promise of a coming messenger—John the Baptist—and of the Messiah Himself, the “Sun of Righteousness” who would rise with healing in His wings (Mal. 4:2).
Then came 400 years of silence. No prophets. No fresh words from God. Until finally, in the first century, the Word Himself took on flesh and dwelt among us.
How Jesus Proved He Is the Messiah
The Jews longed for the Messiah but largely rejected Jesus because He did not fit their expectations. They wanted political deliverance from Rome, not spiritual salvation. They dismissed Him for His humble background—“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). They stumbled over His death on a cursed cross.
But Jesus’ identity was unmistakable:
He fulfilled prophecy. Born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:23), born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2; Matt. 2:1), ministering in Galilee (Isa. 9:1; Matt. 4:12–16).
He performed miracles. Healing the sick, opening blind eyes, raising the dead, feeding multitudes.
He claimed divinity. In Nazareth’s synagogue (Luke 4), with Peter at Caesarea Philippi (Matt. 16), before Caiaphas at His trial (Matt. 26), and in His declaration: “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).
He lived sinlessly. Tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15).
He rose from the dead. The cross and empty tomb remain the ultimate evidence of His deity.
John’s Strategy: Logos, Creator, Light
John writes into a world shaped by Hebrew Scripture, Greek philosophy, and Roman power. His opening words intentionally bridge all three.
The Word (Logos): To Jews, “the Word” recalls God’s creative voice in Genesis—“Let there be light.” To Greeks, “Logos” meant divine wisdom and the ordering principle of the universe. John declares Jesus is both: God’s self-expression in human flesh.
The Creator: “All things were made through him” (John 1:3). Jesus is not merely a teacher or miracle-worker; He is the Maker of the universe. Before He said “Let there be light,” He had already thought of us (Eph. 1:4).
The Light: “In him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4). Light pierces spiritual darkness, revealing truth and offering salvation. Though many reject Him, those who believe are given the right to become children of God (John 1:12).
John the Baptist enters only as a witness. His mission was never to draw attention to himself, but to point to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
The Word Became Flesh
John’s climactic statement is breathtaking: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Just as the Tabernacle once housed God’s presence among Israel, now the Son of God tabernacled among His people. But unlike the tabernacle, He was not hidden—He displayed His glory, full of grace and truth. And after His resurrection and ascension, He no longer merely dwells among us—He dwells within us through the Holy Spirit.
This is not information to file away; it is transformation to embrace. If Jesus is the eternal Word, the Creator, and the Light, then our response cannot be casual. To believe in Him is to step out of darkness into life.
Reflection Questions
Where in your life have past struggles, frustrations, or disappointments caused you to lose focus on Jesus?
How does seeing Jesus as the eternal Creator—not just a teacher or miracle-worker—change the way you view your own life and purpose?
John says Jesus is the Light shining in the darkness. How are you allowing His light to expose and heal areas of spiritual blindness in your heart?
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. How does this truth deepen your sense of God’s nearness and love?
If what you think about Jesus dictates how you live, what does your daily life reveal about what you truly believe about Him?
Discipleship Next Steps
Recenter your focus. Confess areas where you’ve let past pain cloud your vision. Ask Jesus to restore your focus on Him.
Read the Gospel of John. This week, begin with chapters 1–3. Don’t just read for information—ask God to bring transformation.
Abide in the Word. Treat Scripture not as words on a page, but as the voice of Christ Himself, the Logos.
Walk in the Light. Choose daily obedience, stepping out of spiritual darkness into Christ’s truth and grace.
Shine His light. Look for practical ways to bring the light of Christ into your workplace, family, or community this week.
Final Challenge
The message of John’s opening chapter is clear: Jesus is the eternal Word, the Creator of all things, and the Light of the world. He entered His creation to bring life and draw us out of darkness. What you believe about Him will determine how you live. The invitation stands—don’t simply admire the light from afar. Step into it. Live in it. Reflect it. And let the Word made flesh transform you into His likeness.