Jesus: The Word, Light, and Our Path to God
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truths found in the prologue of the Gospel of John, specifically John 1:1-18. This passage serves as a microcosm of the entire Gospel, encapsulating the essence of who Jesus is and why He came. We began by reflecting on the concept of the "Word" as introduced in John 1:1, which parallels the creation narrative in Genesis. This "Word" is not an abstract force but a person—Jesus Christ—who was with God and was God from the very beginning. This underscores the mystery of the Trinity, where Jesus is both distinct from and one with God, embodying the fullness of divine power and identity.
We delved into the purpose of John's Gospel, which is to lead people to believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and to find life in His name. This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative response to the light of truth that Jesus brings into the world. The light shines in the darkness, and though the world often fails to recognize it, those who do receive it are given the right to become children of God. This is a profound gift of grace, not based on our performance or merit, but on faith alone in Jesus Christ.
The incarnation of Jesus—God becoming flesh and dwelling among us—is a central theme. Jesus entered our world to reveal God to us, to be the light in our darkness, and to offer us the opportunity to become part of God's family. This is not about following rules to earn God's favor but about responding to His grace and beginning a journey of faith. As believers, we are called to reflect this light to others, especially during this Christmas season, sharing the hope and truth of Jesus with those around us.
Key Takeaways:
- The Word, as described in John 1, is Jesus Christ, who was with God and was God from the beginning. This highlights the mystery of the Trinity, where Jesus is both distinct from and one with God, embodying divine power and identity. [42:14]
- The purpose of John's Gospel is to lead people to believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and to find life in His name. This belief is transformative, inviting us to respond to the light of truth that Jesus brings into the world. [39:49]
- The incarnation of Jesus—God becoming flesh and dwelling among us—is central to understanding His mission. Jesus entered our world to reveal God to us, to be the light in our darkness, and to offer us the opportunity to become part of God's family. [01:07:11]
- Becoming a child of God is not about following rules to earn His favor but about responding to His grace through faith. This faith journey begins with acknowledging Jesus as Lord and allowing Him to guide our lives. [01:02:57]
- As believers, we are called to reflect the light of Jesus to others, sharing the hope and truth of His message. This is especially significant during the Christmas season, as we have the opportunity to be a light in the darkness for those around us. [01:14:26]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[33:41] - Church Family Visits
[35:07] - Mailboxes and Chili Cook-off
[38:39] - Introduction to John
[39:49] - Purpose of John's Gospel
[42:14] - The Word and Creation
[43:38] - The Mystery of the Trinity
[45:57] - The Aseity of God
[47:53] - Jesus, Creator of All
[49:04] - Colossians and Preeminence
[50:29] - Man's Role in Creation
[52:15] - Life and Light in Jesus
[54:20] - Darkness and Sin
[56:26] - The Lie of Satan
[59:04] - Jesus, the Light of the World
[01:01:58] - Becoming Children of God
[01:07:11] - The Word Became Flesh
[01:14:26] - Reflecting the Light
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 1:1-18
- John 20:30-31
- Colossians 1:15-20
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the term "Word" refer to in John 1:1, and how is it connected to the creation narrative in Genesis? [42:14]
2. According to John 1:12, what is given to those who receive Jesus and believe in His name? [01:01:58]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between Jesus and God in terms of the Trinity? [44:54]
4. What role does John the Baptist play in the Gospel of John, according to the sermon? [57:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the "Word" being both with God and being God help us understand the nature of Jesus and His mission? [42:14]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the incarnation of Jesus is central to understanding His mission on earth? [01:07:11]
3. How does the sermon explain the transformative nature of believing in Jesus as described in John 20:31? [39:49]
4. What does it mean to reflect the light of Jesus to others, especially during the Christmas season, as discussed in the sermon? [01:14:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that Jesus is the "Word" who was with God and was God. How does this understanding impact your personal relationship with Jesus? [42:14]
2. The sermon emphasizes that becoming a child of God is not about following rules but responding to grace. How can you shift your focus from performance to faith in your spiritual journey? [01:02:57]
3. Consider the role of John the Baptist as a witness to the light. Who in your life has been a "John the Baptist" figure, pointing you towards Jesus, and how can you be that for someone else? [57:51]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of reflecting Jesus' light during the Christmas season. What specific actions can you take this Christmas to share the hope and truth of Jesus with those around you? [01:14:26]
5. How does understanding the purpose of John's Gospel, to lead people to believe in Jesus and find life in His name, influence the way you share your faith with others? [39:49]
6. The sermon mentions the mystery of the Trinity. How can embracing this mystery deepen your worship and understanding of God? [44:54]
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus entered our world to reveal God to us. How does this truth encourage you to seek a deeper understanding of God's character and purpose for your life? [01:07:11]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Word as Divine Identity
The Gospel of John begins with a profound declaration about the nature of Jesus Christ, identifying Him as the "Word" who was with God and was God from the very beginning. This introduction parallels the creation narrative in Genesis, emphasizing that Jesus is not merely a historical figure but the embodiment of divine power and identity. The mystery of the Trinity is highlighted here, where Jesus is both distinct from and one with God. This understanding invites believers to contemplate the depth of Jesus' divine nature and His eternal presence in the Godhead. [42:14]
"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." (John 1:1-3, ESV)
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the eternal Word influence your understanding of His role in your life today?
Day 2: Transformative Belief in Jesus
John's Gospel is written with the purpose of leading people to believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and to find life in His name. This belief is not just an intellectual agreement but a transformative response to the light of truth that Jesus brings into the world. The light shines in the darkness, and while the world often fails to recognize it, those who do receive it are given the right to become children of God. This transformative belief is a gift of grace, inviting individuals to respond to Jesus' light and truth. [39:49]
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you allow the light of Jesus to transform a specific area of darkness in your life today?
Day 3: The Incarnation and God's Revelation
The incarnation of Jesus—God becoming flesh and dwelling among us—is central to understanding His mission. Jesus entered our world to reveal God to us, to be the light in our darkness, and to offer us the opportunity to become part of God's family. This is not about following rules to earn God's favor but about responding to His grace and beginning a journey of faith. The incarnation is a profound mystery that invites believers to experience God's presence in a tangible way through Jesus Christ. [01:07:11]
"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 1:14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embrace the reality of Jesus' incarnation in your daily life, allowing His presence to guide your actions and decisions?
Day 4: Becoming Children of God Through Faith
Becoming a child of God is not about following rules to earn His favor but about responding to His grace through faith. This faith journey begins with acknowledging Jesus as Lord and allowing Him to guide our lives. It is a transformative process that involves surrendering our own efforts and trusting in the finished work of Christ. As believers, we are invited to live as children of God, experiencing the fullness of His love and grace. [01:02:57]
"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." (John 1:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust more in God's grace rather than your own efforts?
Day 5: Reflecting the Light of Jesus
As believers, we are called to reflect the light of Jesus to others, sharing the hope and truth of His message. This is especially significant during the Christmas season, as we have the opportunity to be a light in the darkness for those around us. Reflecting Jesus' light involves living out His love and truth in our daily interactions, offering hope and encouragement to those who may be struggling. It is a call to be active participants in God's mission of redemption and restoration. [01:14:26]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the light of Jesus through you today, and how can you intentionally share His love and truth with them?
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Quotes
"Jesus Christ, the preeminent one, was there at creation. He created all things, and there's not a thing that was created that he didn't do it. But again, you might be thinking, well, he didn't make these chairs. He didn't build this building. Listen, God created everything. He made all the elements of the earth." [00:49:45] (22 seconds)
"There's been darkness on this earth since the time man chose to sin, and that darkness is a result of evil and a result of humanity who chose to go their own way. Every time we go our own way, we're rejecting the path of God and God's created order." [00:54:20] (19 seconds)
"But it's neat that even though the nation of Israel and the world at large did not acknowledge, recognize, or receive Jesus, the next verse says, but as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become the sons of God, specifically to those who believe on his name." [01:01:38] (25 seconds)
"Jesus came as a baby. The Word became flesh and dwelled among us, and we beheld His glory. Like, not we, but John's talking about those who are alive in His day, and John is only one of the witnesses." [01:07:46] (16 seconds)
"God has granted by faith alone the opportunity for you to have the right to be a child or a daughter of God. And he gave you the right to be a child or a daughter of God. Isn't that profound? He's granted you the right to be his sons and daughters." [01:02:03] (16 seconds)
"But it does kind of lay a burden on us, doesn't it? Those of us who have the right to become the children of God, that we've got this incredible opportunity at Christmas time to shine the light. God's chosen to work through people." [01:14:26] (19 seconds)
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