Today we will talk about the first chapter of John shows that Jesus is God when it says the following. Many Christians do not know what this means. It is important to underscore the identity of Jesus, as having Godly status clarifies our understanding of His role in our lives. In a world filled with many ideas about who Jesus is, the Book of John stands out by expressing His divine nature right from the beginning. We will journey through the opening chapter, identifying the strong affirmations of Jesus as God through its verses. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word, as it speaks to our hearts and opens our eyes to the truth about Christ’s identity. The opening verses set a stage filled with rich implications for both our faith and relationship with Him.
The first chapter of John shows that Jesus is God when it says the following
Understanding the Word: “In the Beginning Was the Word”
The first verse of John’s Gospel introduces us to a simple yet powerful phrase: “In the beginning was the Word.” This phrase recalls the very first words of Genesis, linking Jesus to the origins of all creation. The term “Word” here is translated from the Greek “Logos,” which carries connotations of divine reason and creative order. This indicates that Jesus was not just present at the beginning of time, but He embodies the very essence and creative force of God Himself. The Greek philosophers often spoke of “Logos” as the principle of order and knowledge, and John emphasizes that this divine order manifests in the person of Jesus (John 1:1, 1:3).
When we consider the Hebrew perspective, we see a similar emphasis on the power of God’s word throughout the Old Testament. In Psalm 33:6, it says, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.” This demonstrates that just as God’s word had the power to create, so does Jesus, the Word, possess this same divine authority, showing His Godly nature. Furthermore, in John 1:1-5, we learn that not only was He with God, but He was also God, highlighting that the relationship between Jesus and the Father transcends mere companionship; they are one in essence.
These opening verses invite us to see Jesus not just as a prophet, teacher, or good man, but as God incarnate. Understanding the significance of this “Word” means recognizing that Jesus deserves our reverence and acknowledgment as divine. His presence signifies that God did not remain distant from us but actively engaged and revealed Himself through Christ.
Jesus as the Source of Life and Light
Continuing in John 1:4-5, we are greeted with the statements, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” This concept of Jesus being life is essential to understanding both our spiritual journey and the identity of Christ. In Hebrew, “life” is often associated with “Chai,” denoting a vibrant, dynamic existence, signaling that Jesus is the source of not only physical life but also spiritual vitality. This distinction is made clear in John 14:6, where Jesus states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
The light metaphor further enhances this understanding. In the ancient world, light symbolizes truth, holiness, and divine revelation. Jesus as the light reveals God’s truth to humanity, illuminating our paths in a world often shrouded in darkness (John 1:5). This continual clash between light and darkness is a powerful theme throughout the scripture, with John reiterating that Jesus’ presence in the world serves to overcome the prevailing darkness of sin and death (John 8:12).
To grasp the weight of this, consider what it means for us personally: as we embrace Jesus as our light and source of life, we invite His transformative power into our lives, moving from darkness into His glorious light (1 Peter 2:9).
His role in bringing life and light is more than just metaphorical; it underscores the hope and salvation available through Him as we navigate our spiritual journey. Recognizing these truths encourages us to lean into our relationship with Jesus, seeking the life and light He offers.
John the Baptist: A Witness to the Light
In John 1:6-8, we are introduced to John the Baptist, who came as a witness to testify concerning the light. The role of John the Baptist is crucial as he serves as a bridge between the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament fulfillment in Christ. His purpose was to point people to Jesus, affirming His divine role as the Messiah right from the start. John 1:7 clearly states, “He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that through him all might believe.” This mirrors Isaiah 40:3, which foretold of a voice calling in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord.
This witnessing not only highlights John’s humility but also underscores the importance of testimony in our faith journey. As believers, we are called to share our experiences, to reflect the light of Christ in our own lives and lead others to Him (Matthew 5:16). John understood that it was not about his glory; it was about pointing to the one who truly deserves the honor and worship, which establishes a model for us today.
As we reflect on John the Baptist’s mission, we can see how our lives can also serve as a testament to the light of Jesus, demonstrating His work within us through service, love, and testimony. By being living examples of Christ’s light, we can encourage others to seek Him, aligning our hearts with His purpose of sharing the good news with the world.
The Incarnation: “The Word Became Flesh”
One of the most beautiful affirmations of Christ’s divine nature is encapsulated in John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The concept of God taking on human form is known as the Incarnation. This is a pivotal moment in human history, demonstrating God’s intimate love for humanity. The Greek word for “dwelling” is “skenoo,” which means to pitch a tent, indicating that Jesus took on our human experience and lived among us—a relatable, tangible representation of God’s love.
This divine act holds significant implications for our understanding of who Jesus is and what He accomplished. It reveals that God desired to experience human life fully, which includes joy, pain, and everything in between (Hebrews 4:15). By becoming flesh, Jesus became our perfect mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and God, fulfilling the prophecies found in Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of God with us, Emmanuel.
The incarnation also emphasizes the dual nature of Christ—fully God and fully man—yielding a depth to His ability to empathize with our struggles. As He embodies both natures, we can approach Him not only with our worship but with our burdens, knowing He understands and cares for us deeply (1 Peter 5:7).
Embracing this truth of the Incarnation helps establish a foundation for our faith. Jesus is not an abstract God but a relational Savior who walks with us through our lives. His humble birth and earthly experiences invite us to draw near, to know Him more intimately, and to share His love with the world.
Grace and Truth Through Jesus
Finally, John 1:14 concludes with the powerful affirmation that Jesus is “full of grace and truth.” This duality encapsulates the essence of God’s character and His entire purpose for coming to us. Grace refers to the unmerited favor we receive from God, the kindness and compassion that leads to redemption and forgiveness. Meanwhile, truth signifies the absolute and unwavering nature of God’s word and His faithfulness.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures exhibit the need for both grace and truth. Psalms 85:10 says, “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” This verse beautifully illustrates how grace and truth coexist harmoniously in God’s dealings with humanity. Jesus fulfills this harmonious balance perfectly—in Him, we find our hope, mercy, guidance, and the incentive to live a life reflecting these divine attributes.
Understanding grace and truth through Jesus highlights our approach to life as believers. We are called to extend grace to others as we walk in Christ’s footsteps, loving those who may have wronged us, and sharing God’s truth as we counsel and guide our fellow believers (Ephesians 4:32). It guides our actions and interactions, helping us balance compassion with accountability.
As we embrace both grace and truth in our lives, we relate more closely to Christ and support others in their spiritual journeys, as we reflect the love of Jesus through our actions.
Final Thoughts
In our examination of the first chapter of John, we have discovered that Jesus is indeed God. The phrases like “In the beginning was the Word” and “The Word became flesh” reveal His divine essence right at the start. We learn that He brought life into the world and shines as a light to guide our paths, overcoming the darkness around us. John the Baptist’s testimony points us toward Jesus’ identity and mission, inspiring us to share our own experiences of Him.
We also celebrate the Incarnation, recognizing that God chose to dwell among us in the person of Jesus, fully embodying both God and man. This closeness allows us a way to approach Him, knowing He truly understands our human struggles. Finally, understanding His grace and truth provides us with a beautiful model for how to live our lives in a way that reflects His character.
As we go forth, let us carry these truths in our hearts, reminding ourselves of the incredible gift of our Savior. He deserves our praise and deserves to be known, so let’s share the light and love that He effortlessly gives to us.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4