TODAY’S SERMON: April 27, 2025
Studies in John: 01 The Word and The Light
John 1:1-5 ESV
This morning, we delve into the book of John. It's going to be an exciting year because when Jesus shows up in our lives, things get good.
John's Gospel is entirely focused on answering the question: Who is Jesus? Before we dive into the text, let's introduce John. Jesus loved John, and John loved Jesus. They had an amazing relationship. John was from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee, grew up in a Jewish fishing family, and his parents were Zebedee and Salome. John, along with his brother James, worked as fishermen before Jesus called them to discipleship. (Matthew 4:21-22)
John's Gospel doesn't detail his calling but focuses on facts. Unlike the other Gospels, John doesn't mention his name; he refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." This term highlights his special relationship with Jesus without overshadowing the message of Christ. (John 13:23, John 19:26, John 20:2)
John's Gospel is unique, emphasizing Jesus' divine nature and His relationship with the Father. About 90% of its content is not found in the other Gospels. John wrote this book so that we may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing, have life in His name (John 20:31).
John begins with a profound theological prologue: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This introduction links Jesus to the very creation of the world, emphasizing His eternal presence and divine nature. (John 1:1)
As we study these verses, remember:
John's Gospel is entirely focused on answering the question: Who is Jesus? Before we dive into the text, let's introduce John. Jesus loved John, and John loved Jesus. They had an amazing relationship. John was from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee, grew up in a Jewish fishing family, and his parents were Zebedee and Salome. John, along with his brother James, worked as fishermen before Jesus called them to discipleship. (Matthew 4:21-22)
John's Gospel doesn't detail his calling but focuses on facts. Unlike the other Gospels, John doesn't mention his name; he refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." This term highlights his special relationship with Jesus without overshadowing the message of Christ. (John 13:23, John 19:26, John 20:2)
John's Gospel is unique, emphasizing Jesus' divine nature and His relationship with the Father. About 90% of its content is not found in the other Gospels. John wrote this book so that we may believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing, have life in His name (John 20:31).
John begins with a profound theological prologue: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This introduction links Jesus to the very creation of the world, emphasizing His eternal presence and divine nature. (John 1:1)
As we study these verses, remember:
- If Jesus is eternal, He’s trustworthy—He won’t change like trends or feelings.
- If Jesus is God, His words have ultimate authority.
- If Jesus is the Word, we need to listen to Him through Scripture and Prayer