In the beginning, the foundational text of the Gospel of John introduces a profound concept: the Word. This Word, existing from the very beginning, is not merely language but is identified as being with God and, astonishingly, as being God itself. This sets the stage for understanding the divine nature of Jesus Christ, but before delving into that, the narrative introduces a pivotal figure: John.
This passage emphasizes that through this Word, all things were created, highlighting its essential role in existence. Life itself is attributed to this Word, and this life is described as the light of humanity. Even as darkness exists, the light shines, and the darkness cannot overcome it. This metaphorical language prepares the reader for the introduction of John, a man sent by God.
This John, whose name means “God is gracious,” arrives on the scene with a specific divine mission. He is not the light itself, but he is sent as a witness to testify about that light. His purpose is to point towards the true light so that through his testimony, all might believe. It’s crucial to understand this distinction: John is a messenger, a herald, preparing the way for someone greater. He is the witness, not the main event.
The narrative then pivots back to the true light, clarifying that this light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. This light, the Word made flesh, was present in the world, even though the world, created through him, did not recognize him. He came to his own people, but they did not receive him. However, for those who did receive him, for those who believed in his name, he granted the right to become children of God. This transformation is not based on lineage or human will, but on being born of God.
This pivotal point reveals that the Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity. This is a central tenet of Christian theology, the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ. The text speaks of witnessing his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father. Even John himself testified about him, proclaiming that this one who came after him was actually before him, highlighting Jesus’ pre-existence and supremacy.
From this fullness, all have received grace upon grace. The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. This contrast underscores the new covenant brought by Jesus, surpassing the old covenant of law. The passage concludes by stating that no one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God, and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made God known.
Transitioning to John the Baptist’s testimony, the narrative shifts to a specific inquiry from the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. They sent priests and Levites to John to question his identity. John openly confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” This directness is important; John is clear about his role and limitations.
When pressed further about whether he was Elijah or the Prophet, John again denied. Finally, asked to define himself, John quoted the prophet Isaiah, identifying himself as “the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” This quotation positions John as the fulfillment of prophecy, preparing the way for the coming of the Lord.
The Pharisees questioned John’s authority to baptize if he was not the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet. John responded by stating that he baptized with water, but there was one among them they did not know, one who came after him but was greater, so much so that John was unworthy even to untie his sandals. This emphasizes John’s humility and the imminence of Jesus’ arrival.
The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” This is a powerful declaration, identifying Jesus with the sacrificial lamb, a concept deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, now applied to the removal of sin for the entire world. John reiterates that Jesus, though coming after him chronologically in ministry, was before him in being.
John further explained that he did not initially know Jesus personally, but his mission to baptize with water was precisely so that Jesus might be revealed to Israel. John then testified about seeing the Spirit descend on Jesus like a dove and remain on him. This was the sign given to John, confirming that Jesus was the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. John concludes his testimony by affirming, “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
The narrative continues the next day with John again with two of his disciples. Seeing Jesus pass by, John repeats his declaration, “Look, the Lamb of God!” Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned and asked them, “What do you want?” They addressed him as “Rabbi” (Teacher) and asked where he was staying. Jesus invited them to “Come and see.” They spent the rest of the day with him, marking the beginning of their discipleship.
Andrew, one of the two disciples who followed Jesus after hearing John, immediately found his brother Simon Peter and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (the Christ). Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus, looking at Simon, declared, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (Peter). This act of renaming signifies a new identity and mission for Simon.
The following day, Jesus decided to go to Galilee and found Philip, whom he called to “Follow me.” Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from Bethsaida. Philip then found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael’s initial skepticism about Nazareth is met with Philip’s simple invitation, “Come and see.”
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he declared him to be “an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” Nathanael was astonished at being known by Jesus even before they met. Jesus revealed that he had seen Nathanael under the fig tree before Philip called him. This display of knowledge led Nathanael to proclaim, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” Jesus responded that Nathanael believed because of this one sign but would see greater things. Jesus concluded by saying they would see “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man,” a powerful image connecting Jesus to heaven and divine authority.
In conclusion, this opening chapter of the Gospel of John meticulously lays the foundation for understanding Jesus Christ’s identity and mission. Central to this introduction is John the Baptist, who serves as a crucial witness. John’s role is not to be the light but to point to it, to testify to the coming of the Messiah, the Lamb of God. His humility, his clear testimony, and his role in directing his own disciples to Jesus underscore his importance in the narrative. The Gospel of John begins by establishing Jesus as the divine Word made flesh and John as the divinely appointed witness to this transformative truth.
