Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. What does John tell us about “the Word” in verse 1 (printed below?)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
John writes, “In the beginning was the Word.” “In the beginning” is an unmistakable reference to Genesis 1:1 (“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”) Thus, the Bible is telling us that when God brought the creation into existence, the Word was already existing. Note: “the Word” is a title for the Son of God whom we know in His incarnate state as Jesus Christ—just as words reveal to others our inmost thoughts, so the incarnate Son of God communicates and reveals God to us. Furthermore, John informs us that “the Word was with God.” The Word was living in the presence of God throughout eternity. Finally, John tells us that “the Word was God.” Note: the Greek text states this truth in the most emphatic way, literally reading, “God (is what) the Word was.”
2. What else does John tell us about “the Word” in verse 14 (printed below?)
The Word became flesh, and lived (literally, tabernacled) among us. We saw his glory, his glory as the one and only Son who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
John informs us that “the Word became flesh.” Here is the wonder of the incarnation: God, the Creator, came into His creation, came into history, and identified Himself with those whom He had created in His own image—He became one of us. The Word “lived among us.” The Greek text literally reads, the Word “tabernacled” among us. When He brought the people of Israel out of Egypt, the Lord lived among them in the wilderness in the tabernacle; in the Person of Jesus Christ, God lived among us in human form.
3. What do you think John means when, referring to “the Word,” he writes, “The life was the light of men?”
In verse 4a John spoke about life in general terms, now he is speaking about one specific life: the life of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God. This Life was “the light of men.” In Scripture “light” is often used in the sense of knowledge, understanding, illumination (note Psalm 119:130). To give light is to impart understanding, to illuminate; to be light is to be an example. Because the Son of God is the Source of life, He is, therefore, the true Illuminator/Interpreter of life. Look at the life of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will discover the meaning of life, and you will see the way God meant for life to be lived.
4. What do we learn about the meaning of life when we observe the life of the Lord Jesus Christ? Note Jesus’ testimony recorded in John 8:29 and John 17:4 (printed below)
The One who sent me is with me, he has not left me alone; because I always do the things that are pleasing to him. (John 8:29)
I have glorified you on the earth, by accomplishing the work that you have given me to do. (John 17:4)
From Jesus’ testimony recorded in John 8:29, we learn that life was meant to be lived in fellowship with God, a fellowship based upon obedience and submission to God —life was not meant to be lived for self-gratification. From Jesus’ testimony recorded in John 17:4 we learn that life was meant to be lived for the glory of God—life was not meant to be lived for self-glorification.
5. In verse 16 John testifies of “the Word” (i.e.; the Lord Jesus Christ), “From his fullness we all received.” Of whom is John speaking when he writes, “we all received?” Note verse 12 (printed below) What do such people receive from the Lord Jesus Christ?
But to all who did receive him, to those who believe on his name, to them he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12)
Of whom is John speaking when he writes, “we all received?” He is referring to all those who receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and who entrust their lives to Him (note John 1:12). What do such people receive from the Lord Jesus Christ? Literally, they receive “grace against grace,” or “grace upon grace.” In other words, those who believe in Jesus receive a superabundant experience and supply of divine grace that is renewed day by day, but only to be experienced in its full dimension in the heavenly kingdom of God.
