📘 Companion Resource
These study notes align with The Gospels Discipleship Journal (John Reading) — a structured, Scripture-first guide designed to help you build daily habits of reading, reflection, and prayer.
If you want to move from occasional reading to consistent spiritual formation, this journal walks you step-by-step through the Gospel accounts in chronological order, helping you see the life of Jesus unfold clearly and cohesively.
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John 1 reveals who Jesus truly is—the eternal Word, the Light of the world, the Lamb of God, and the One who invites people to follow Him.
How to Use These MTSM Study Notes
These study notes are designed to provide foundational insight into the passage you have read in The Gospels Discipleship Journal .
Before reading these notes, spend time with the Scripture itself. Wrestle with the text. Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you.
These notes are meant to supplement your reading — not replace it. They are a guide to help you understand the passage more clearly, not a substitute for personal engagement with God’s Word.
📘 John Gospel Hub
Want to study John in order? Visit our central hub for all John SM Study Notes, links to deeper 3-Tier Commentary, and helpful study resources.
The Word Eternal and Divine (John 1:1–5)
John begins differently than the other Gospel writers.
He does not start with a birth story.
He starts before creation.
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (1:1)
Genesis tells us how creation began. John tells us what existed before it began.
Before time, Jesus already was.
John calls Him “the Word” (Greek logos). This title would have meant something to both Jews and Greeks:
- For Jews, the Word of the Lord described God’s action and self-revelation.
- For Greeks, logos meant ultimate reason or the ordering principle of the universe.
John declares that both ideas find their fulfillment in Jesus.
He is not merely sent from God.
He is God.
Creator of All
John makes it unmistakable:
“God created everything through him.” (1:3)
Jesus is not part of creation. He is its Creator.
Every star. Every breath. Every life.
This matters because only the Creator can redeem His creation.
Life and Light
John introduces two key words: life and light.
“His life brought light to everyone.” (1:4)
Just as light overcame darkness in Genesis, Jesus shines into spiritual darkness.
Darkness cannot overcome Him.
Even when people reject Him, the light still shines.
Reflect:
- Do you see Jesus as Creator and Lord?
- Where do you need His light to shine in your life?
Witness to the Light (John 1:6–13)
Before describing Jesus’ ministry, John introduces John the Baptist.
“God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light.” (1:6–7)
John the Baptist was not the light. He was a witness.
Faith spreads through testimony.
The Gospel moves forward as people point others to Jesus.
Rejected Yet Received
John writes something sobering:
“He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.” (1:11)
The Creator entered His world. Many refused Him.
But rejection is not the end of the story.
“To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” (1:12)
New birth does not come through ancestry or effort. It comes from God.
To believe is to receive Him personally.
Reflect:
- Have you received Christ personally?
- Are you living as a child of God?
The Word Became Flesh (John 1:14–18)
One of the most important verses in the Bible is John 1:14:
“So the Word became human and made his home among us.”
The eternal God stepped into human history.
The phrase “made his home” literally means “tabernacled.” Just as God’s presence filled the tabernacle in the Old Testament, now His presence dwells in Jesus.
He is the meeting place between God and humanity.
Grace and Truth
Through Moses, God gave the Law.
Through Jesus, we receive grace and truth in fullness.
John concludes this section powerfully:
“No one has ever seen God. But the unique One… has revealed God to us.” (1:18)
If you want to know what God is like—look at Jesus.
Reflect:
- Do you see Jesus as God revealed?
- How does His grace shape the way you approach Him?
The Forerunner’s Testimony (John 1:19–28)
Religious leaders questioned John the Baptist:
“Who are you?”
Was he the Messiah? Elijah? The Prophet?
John answered clearly: no.
He quoted Isaiah:
“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’”
John understood his role. He was not the focus.
He prepared hearts for Someone greater.
“I’m not even worthy to untie his sandals.” (1:27)
True witness is humble and Christ-centered.
Reflect:
- Do you point people toward Jesus—or toward yourself?
- Are you preparing hearts for Him?
Behold, the Lamb of God (John 1:29–34)
The next day, John saw Jesus and declared:
“Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (1:29)
This title is rich with meaning.
It points back to:
- The Passover lamb
- The sacrificial system
- Isaiah’s suffering servant
Jesus would not conquer by force.
He would save by sacrifice.
At His baptism, the Spirit descended, confirming Him as the Son of God.
From the start, John presents Jesus as both Creator and Redeemer.
Reflect:
- Do you see Jesus as the One who takes away your sin?
- Are you trusting Him as your substitute?
The First Followers (John 1:35–51)
Two of John’s disciples heard him call Jesus the Lamb of God. They followed Jesus immediately.
One was Andrew. He quickly brought his brother Simon.
Jesus renamed him Peter.
Then Jesus called Philip. Philip invited Nathanael.
At first, Nathanael doubted. Nazareth had little reputation.
But after encountering Jesus, he confessed:
“You are the Son of God—the King of Israel!” (1:49)
Jesus promised even greater things—heaven opened and the Son of Man as the bridge between God and humanity.
The Chain of Witness
Notice the pattern:
- John points to Jesus.
- Andrew brings Peter.
- Philip invites Nathanael.
The Gospel spreads through personal invitation.
Faith is personal—but never meant to remain private.
Reflect:
- Who brought you to Jesus?
- Who are you inviting to “come and see”?
Conclusion
John 1 introduces us to Jesus in sweeping clarity:
- Eternal Word
- Creator
- Light of the world
- Lamb of God
- Son of God
- King of Israel
He is both divine and approachable.
And from the beginning, He invites people to follow Him.
Truths and Lessons for Today
1. Jesus Is Eternal and Divine
Our faith rests on the eternal Son of God—not a mere teacher.
🡲 Application:
Trust Him fully. He is Lord over time, creation, and your life.
📖 “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (1:1)
2. True Life and Light Are Found Only in Him
Jesus gives life that darkness cannot extinguish.
🡲 Application:
Turn to Him daily for hope, direction, and renewal.
📖 “His life brought light to everyone.” (1:4)
3. Witness Means Pointing Others to Christ
John and the first disciples simply pointed and invited.
🡲 Application:
Live as a pointer. Share your story. Invite others to come and see.
📖 “Look! The Lamb of God…” (1:29)
Want to go deeper?
Our MTSM 3-Tiered Commentary offers richer context and greater insight for those who want more than surface-level notes. It’s a great next step in studying God’s Word.
- John 1 MTSM Commentary
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