John 1 Commentary

The Gospel of John opens with a profound and poetic introduction that emphasizes the divinity of Christ and His role in creation. The first chapter serves as a foundational theological statement about who Jesus is and the nature of His mission.

Verses 1-5: The Word and Creation

“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 nothing was made that was made.”

John introduces "the Word" (Logos) as existing before creation, highlighting the eternal nature of Christ. This assertion establishes that Jesus is not merely a historic figure but divine, existing with God since the beginning. The parallel to Genesis 1 is intentional, suggesting that, just as God spoke creation into being, the Word is integral to that process. The phrase "and the Word was God" explicitly affirms the deity of Christ, which is a central tenet of Christian doctrine.

The passage continues with a stark contrast between light and darkness, symbolizing the presence of Christ in the world. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." This light represents revelation and truth, illuminating the moral and spiritual darkness of the world.

Verses 6-8: The Witness of John the Baptist

John the Baptist is presented as a vital witness "to bear witness about the Light, that all might believe through him." His role is to prepare the way for Jesus, emphasizing that he is not the light but simply points to it. This highlights the importance of testimony in faith; John’s mission serves to redirect attention to Christ, the true source of life and enlightenment.

Verses 9-14: The Incarnation

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world... He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.”

Here, John notes the universal aspect of Christ’s mission; He is the light available to everyone. However, there is a poignant acknowledgment of the rejection Christ faced, which foreshadows the challenges and conflicts to come in Jesus' ministry.

The declaration of the Incarnation in verse 14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” encapsulates the core Christian belief that God became human in the person of Jesus. This statement highlights not only His humanity but also the intimate relationship He offers—“dwelt among us,” indicating that God is not distant but present.

Verses 15-18: The Superiority of Christ

In these verses, John the Baptist again acknowledges Jesus' superiority, stating, "He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me." This establishes the preeminence of Christ despite John's earlier ministry. Verse 16 touches on the theme of grace, emphasizing that through Christ, believers receive abundant grace and truth, culminating with the revelation of God’s character and nature through the Son.

Verses 19-34: The Testimony of John the Baptist

The following verses recount John’s testimony before the religious leaders who question his authority. John’s humility and focus on Christ are evident as he insists he is merely a voice preparing the way. His bold affirmation of Jesus as the "Lamb of God" signifies Jesus’ role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, linking to the Passover and the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.

Verses 35-51: The Calling of the First Disciples

The chapter concludes with the calling of the first disciples, illustrating the beginning of their journey of faith. The interaction between Jesus and His first followers reveals crucial elements of discipleship—recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, personal encounter, and transformation. The titles ascribed to Jesus ("Rabbi," "Messiah," "Son of God") reflect gradual revelations of His true identity.

Conclusion

John 1 sets an essential tone for the entire Gospel, introducing themes of light versus darkness, the divine nature of Christ, and the necessity of accepting Him to gain understanding and eternal life. It challenges readers to confront their beliefs about Jesus and invites them into a relationship with the light of the world. John's poetic and theological introduction calls the reader to marvel at the mystery of the Incarnation and the implications of God's self-revelation through Christ.