In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus
Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and[b] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
1. How are you at first impressions? Who made the best first impression to you? Tell a story about the funniest first impression you have ever experienced? What are some important aspects of a first impression?
2. What grabs your attention in THIS first impression?
3. The first 18 verses of John’s Gospel are a prologue. They introduce and set up the topics that John will discuss and develop throughout his gospel.
Underline words—phrases—concepts that you find important in these 18 verses.
* the verse that is most meaningful for you at this time. Explain.
4. Before reading on, what do you think is meant by the word “word”?
5. The word “word” is “logos” in Greek, meaning “governing power behind all things.” Say the phrase “governing power behind all things” in the place of “word.” How does it change your view? Why do you suppose THIS word is used as the first impression of Christ?
6. Note the following words and concepts: (What is being suggested?)
___ “Word” – see Gen 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24,26; Col 3:16; 1 Jn 1:1
___ “Life” – see Jn 3:16-17; 4:14,36; 5:21,24,26; 6:27, 8:12; 10:10,28
___ “Light” / “Darkness – see 1:4-5,7-9; 3:19-21; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35-36,46
___ “Grace” – see Jn 1;14,16-16; Ro 3:24; 2 Cor 12:9; Gal 2:21; Eph 2:5,7-8; Titus 3:7
___ “Truth” – see Jn 1:14,17; 3:21; 4:23; 5:33; 8:32; 14:6,17; 16:13; 17:17; 18:38
___ “Law “ – see Jn 5:45; Acts 13:15,39; Ro 3:20-21,28; 8:2-4
___ God the Father – see Jn 1:14; 3:35; 5:18-19; 4:46; 8:19; 10:30,38
___ Incarnation “became flesh” – see Heb 2:17-18; Jn 15:4-5; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 2:20
7. What questions, if any, does this prologue generate for/in you?
What questions, if any, does it answer?
8. Note: God spoke creation into being. Jesus is the Word of creation. What do you think? Where is the proof that Jesus has always been (see Genesis 1:26-28)
9. How is John the Baptist introduced and presented? In what way(s) are we to be like John?
10. Is his witness reactive or proactive? Are we proactive or reactive in our witness? How often are you more reactive than proactive in your witness?
11. What, if anything, in these verses saddens you as you read these verses?
12. What scripture does a friend of yours need to hear today, if any?
13. According to these verses, what did you learn about Jesus during today’s reflection or discussion?
14. How does 1 John 4:16 allow others to not be afraid of God who is also the governing power behind all things?
Prayer
Jesus, in the beginning You already wer, You always have been and will forever be. (Rev 1:8) In the beginning You were. You were and are the Word of creation “Let there be…” (Gen 1) and You are the Word of life. (Acts 17:28) It is through the lens of You and Your being that we see, know, and understand anything and everything. (1 Cor 2:10-16; Gal 2:20) Be my Lord, my light, my life.
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: Word | Greek Word: Logos
In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God, his minister in creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world’s life both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of man’s salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.
A Greek philosopher named Heraclitus first used the term Logos around 600 B.C. to designate the divine reason or plan which coordinates a changing universe. This word was well suited to John’s purpose in John 1. (Biblestudytools.com)
Family Engagement Activity
Turn off all the lights in the room or house. Then with a flashlight or a candle, walk around the room or house. While walking with the flashlight or candle, take note of how the light overpowers the darkness. The darkness does not and cannot overpower light. Talk about how this is like Jesus overpowering the darkness in our lives.
Going Activity
This week, proactively have Jesus and a friend of yours to meet by your testimony of what Christ is doing in your life. Consider mentioning that He is in control and that His power is only used to love.