The Christmas Question December 28, 2025 – The Christmas Question – John 1:1-18 ESV John Chapter 1 introduces Jesus as the divine “Word” (Logos), present with God at creation, who became flesh to bring light, life, and truth to humanity, even though many rejected Him, while those who accepted Him gained the right to become children of God, and it details John the Baptist’s testimony, pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God, leading to the calling of the first disciples like Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel. Here’s a breakdown of key themes in John 1: The Divine Word (Logos): Jesus is identified as the eternal Word, who was with God and was God, through whom all things were made. Incarnation: This divine Word became human, living among people as the ultimate revelation of God’s glory, grace, and truth, like God’s presence in the tabernacle. Light and Life: Jesus is the true Light that illuminates the darkness, bringing spiritual life, though the world didn’t recognize Him. John the Baptist’s Testimony: John the Baptist testified that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, fulfilling prophecy. Calling of Disciples: Jesus begins gathering followers, including Andrew (who brings Peter), Philip, and Nathaniel, giving Peter the name Cephas (Rock). Becoming Children of God: Believers who receive Jesus and believe in His name are given the right to become children of God, born not of human will but of God. In essence, John 1 serves as a profound theological prologue, establishing Jesus’s divine identity and mission to bring humanity into a relationship with God. John 1:1-18 English Standard Version The Word Became Flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own,[b] and his own people[c] did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[d] from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.[e] 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who[f] is at the Father’s side,[g] he has made him known. Tags:
