The Gospel of John Lesson 2 (9-23-2012)

The Gospel of John

Lesson 2 – John 1:6-13

V. 6-8 refers to John the Baptist. It says here that this John was sent to prepare the people for Christ’s coming. It is important for John to be mention here in the beginning of his argument as an expert witness to the Apostle John’s testimony because it was prophesied that one would come before the coming Messiah fitting John’s description, preparing the way for the Messiah’ arrival. We find in Isaiah 40:3-5 and Malachi 3:1 reference to one fitting John’s description. By making this statement here the Apostle John is again saying that this is the Messiah, the prophesied One that he is testifying of. 

It is also interesting to note that here in the first eight verses that the Apostle John uses two major descriptive words to describe God. These are the words ‘Word’ and ‘Light’. Here in v. 7 he describes the coming One as ‘the Light’ much like he began his account using the word ‘Word’ to describe God. I love these one word names or descriptions of God. For me, somehow they help me to relate to God. The names of God that you will find in the Bible can be termed as full color snapshots of Him and His Personality. We have already discussed John’s use of the word ‘Word’ in v. 1, but his use of the word ‘Light’ here in the beginning of John is also very significant.

Several verses in the O. T. talk about the Light that would be given to the nation Israel as well as to the world. These verses would have been familiar to the nation Israel in particular so John’s usage here would be important. Two of these verses are Is. 9:2 and 49:6. Isaiah 9:2 makes reference to people that are moving as if they were alive, but they are moving in ‘darkness’ and the verse goes on to say that they are living on the edge or shadow of death. We know that Is. 9:2 relates to this Light that the Apostle John is talking about because Matthew makes reference to this O. T. verse when Jesus begins His public ministry recorded in Mt. 4:14-7 (Read). As a side note, Isaiah also makes reference to a child coming in the future that would bear the Name of God found in Is. 9:6.

Isaiah goes on to say in Is. 49:6 that this same light would also be a Light to the nations! He continues by saying that this Light will be God’s salvation that will extend past the borders of Israel unto the end of the earth. It is interesting that John also testifies that this Light is salvation saying that the purpose of His coming to the darkness was that through Him all men might believe, the Light dispelling the darkness in man (Jn. 1:4-5) and is the same message John would later state in Jn. 3:16.

He finalizes his thoughts in v. 9 of John concerning the Light saying that the One that he has been talking about and describing in these first 9 verses is the ‘One and Only’ God. He again gives this One that he is talking about in these beginning verses the credit for ‘all’ human life.

Verses 10 and 11 are probably two of the saddest verses in the Bible. John speaking from recollection looking back says in v. 10 that when this One that he is describing, the Light, showed up on the scene of His creation that He was rejected by them. The Apostle Paul says in essence in I Cor. 2:7-8 that when God spoke the Wisdom of His Light that the princes of this age or the princes of darkness did not understand it. If they had, they would not have crucified the ‘Light’ of the world, i.e. the Lord of Glory.

In v. 11 he even makes it more personal. He says that when God showed Himself even to His own kinsmen, His nationality, even they rejected Him and did not embrace Him or take Him in.

But, all is not lost. John goes on just when it looked like all was lost by giving an ‘open invitation’ saying ‘whosoever’ will may come. He makes a very strong statement here in v. 13 that God does the work of salvation, waking those in darkness, those who are dead in essence saying that we do not find salvation by being born into it or even because of the will of man or man’s self efforts. He says here that it is God who wills it and we respond to His prompting by believing in Him and His message. John will explain this further to us when he shares with us Nicodemus’s encounter with Christ where Jesus explains the work of the Spirit in the new birth. We will take a closer look at that when we get to chapter 3. (May also want to reference Jn. 15:16)

(Note: The above are notes of the actual classes that are taught and studied at Seacoast Community Church during Sunday Morning. Some lessons may be shorter or longer concerning material covered due to discussions that may come up during the actual class.)

The Gospel of John Lesson 1 (9-15-2012)

The Gospel of John

Lesson 1 – John 1:1-5

V. 1-3

As we come to the Book of John we see that John begins his argument or declaration for the faith with some bold statements. It is as if by making such bold statements right from the beginning he is saying to us that if you continue past this point with him, listening to him that you may have a chance to understand and believe.

He begins by taking us back to very beginning. Not the beginning of his story. Not the beginning of his encounter or experience as you might expect. And, not even to the beginning of history. But, he takes us back to the beginning of all things. Wow! What a bold statement. His first sentence! As John begins it is clear that John is not making his argument toward the Jews, for if he was he would have lost most if not all of them right here because of the way he presents God to us in this first verse.

You will notice that in Mathew’s Gospel that Matthew opens his argument focused toward the Jews with a beginning statement as to the genealogical origin of Jesus. But, not John. Remember, John is writing his account some 40 years later than Matthew’s account and some 20 to 30 years after the rest of the New Testament had been written. John is a late comer. He had probably seen or at least heard of most of the Biblical documents in circulation. This in all likely hood influenced John’s writing. But, probably the biggest influence in John’s writing was experience. He had lived a lifetime of years well seasoned with experience in the faith and memories of his encounters with Christ.

John is writing to the world and he plainly begins not with a connection to any one nation or to the beginning of mankind on the earth, but to the beginning of everything. The Holy Spirit knowing the possible arguments that we or any future generation of mankind might throw up in defense of our argument moved John to confront us right here. This very first sentence is John’s statement and premise on which he wants us to believe. The rest of this Gospel is his proof offered to us that his premise is true.

He begins by stating the clear truth as to what he is saying and where he is going with his account. It is right here where many including almost all cult followings depart going another direction. For in believing John’s beginning premise it is hard to argue against the rest of his message. For if we agree, or even give way to the possibility that his premise might be so then we might take the time to listen to his argument in the end deciding also what we believe.

But, for those who have already made up their mind not to believe they either have to avoid this truth that is here in the beginning of John or they have to alter this verse from its original text as some have tried to do. He begins with a truth that is hard to get past if you are not looking for the truth. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a religious leader, is one who came looking for the truth. We will see his initial encounter with Christ in chapter 3. But, most of the Pharisees would deny this Gospel holding onto their manmade religion trying to justify their ritual and their way. It is hard to find the truth if you are not looking for it.

As we come to this first verse in John it is good to begin with a question, for the rest of the book unfolds from this initial point. What is his statement in this first sentence/verse? What is he actually saying? He begins by using an interesting term that most Bible commentators find it hard to define as to what John is actually referring to. But, moved by the Holy Spirit, John uses one word interestingly enough to name the Being that he is going to tell us about. (God)

John did not come up with this Name by himself. It was God who moved John to use the word ‘Word’ to name Himself. In beginning this book, it is like the word ‘Word’ coming out of eternity past standing by itself as the full declaration of God and who this God is. Imagine that! One word containing the ‘full’ representation’ of God. In one word God declares Himself and in one word God represents Himself. If you think about it, it is not unlike the fullness of God being found in one man. Read Col. 1:19 Think of it. How can the fullness of God possibly be squeezed into one man??Again, think of it. The full expression of God found in one ‘Word’.

It is also no different than the name God chose for Himself when He called Himself by the name ‘I AM’. In that case He used two words just about saying it all. John, in actuality God, used words to convey to us Who God is. If you think of it using the one word ‘Word’ is definitive,…and yet this one word is infinite. It is not being restrictive, and yet, it is all inclusive of any group of words used to describe who God is.

Having the name or expression for God as ‘Word’ allows us to experience God for Who He is in any direction, precept or principle that applies to Him. Using other additional words to convey God to us would restrict the Fullness of God to one or several attributes or concepts concerning God not relaying to us all the other attributes that make God God. He used the one word ‘Word’ as an all inclusive descriptive term similar to the vastness of expression and meaning in the term ‘I AM’.

A good example of this in a secular arena of what I am saying might be the use of the term ‘computer’. By stating the term or one ‘word’ computer you can go in any direction on this topic describing aspects or attributes of computers on any level or tangent that is pertinent taking us down paths of discussion or thought or revelation that can be seemingly endless.  John using this one Word puts God in focus for us beginning our journey. In this case less said truly is more, think of it!

In Jn. 1:1-2 he uses the two first verses to pin down for us exactly Who he is referring to as he begins his account. Again right here is where many veer off heading in another direction unable to at least consider John’s beginning statement. It is here where many will leave and go somewhere else looking to find some justification for their beliefs not wanting to accept or consider John’s statement.

Some will even try to change what John is saying making it try to align with their beliefs. But, John in these first two verses makes it clear to us exactly Who he is talking about, putting his expression of God before us in such a way that we can begin to behold Him!

In verse one he says three things about God. First he gives us a reference point taking us back to a specific point. As you read the first two verses, however, you will get the impression that John is actually taking us back to this point because it is as far back as we can go in our understanding of God. Past that point is hard for us to conceive. But, John in reality brings us back to this point and asks us by his further declarations to stand here on this reference point and ‘look back over the edge’ so to speak, and look ‘into the ‘deep’, …seeing a vast chasm larger than the vast expanse of the universe.

After taking us back to the beginning of all things, he tags the One he is referring to as ‘the Word’ to the one word we associate with being responsible for all things…God or I AM. He tells us that this Word he is referring to not only knew about God, but in actuality knew Him. In stating it the way that John does he intimately connects this ‘Word’ with God personally in a relationship very closely associated like a family relationship, saying in essence that ‘the Word’ and God knew each other intimately.

He continues in the last part of this verse making a third declaration concerning the One he is talking about. In this third declaration he comes right out and makes the statement that this Word is in actually God raising the bar of expectation of proof as John shares his encounter with us concerning Christ.

Some would pose the question here ‘Why did John take three steps to get to his final point or declaration?’ How John begins his Gospel is important from another perspective. In beginning his Gospel this way he also makes a fourth declaration to us, a bonus declaration so to speak. He makes a strong statement concerning this God expressing Himself in the Trinity having three distinct Personalities, yet being One God. This is a theme that we will see throughout John’s Gospel as well as the other Gospels. In stating the first two verses to us in this way he, John, makes the point that this Word that he is talking about is separate and distinct in personality and yet at the same time is complete and full being the One true God, a mystery too hard for man to wrap his mind around.

This is a testimony to me that John is giving us the full story here in his account. The concept of the trinity for a Jew is a hard concept to embrace and yet you will see John refer to the different Persons of the Trinity many times in his gospel. To me this is proof that he is not just highlighting and embracing those things that he can identify with, putting his spin on things.

Yet, as we will see, John as well as the other writers of the Scriptures will encourage us to embrace the entire fullness of God through faith. Here in these first two verses John expresses to us the complete fullness of God using words or ‘the Word’ to reveal Him to us. As we will see John will continue to use words to take us further in our understanding of the One he walked with.

V. 3-5

When you get close to someone you get to know them pretty good and as you get to know them better you either lose faith in them and what they stand for or you stand up for who they say they are or for what they are known for. Even if you know them well and support them or believe in their cause, you still get to know their shortcomings and weaknesses sometimes overlooking them, but not denying that they have them. However, it seems that John as he got closer to Jesus he saw that there was much more to this man than even he saw at first.

He continues in the next few verses broadening the foundation of understanding about the One he is referring to. He makes another bold statement here in v. 3. He states that ‘everything’ that we see and know and also what we don’t know that is were made by Him, the Word. This would include things on the earth as well as in the heavens. But, this would also include things unseen or not known to us. In the last part of the first chapter of the book of Ephesians in v. 21 Paul refers to principalities, powers and dominions suggesting to us that there are places and things that are real that we do not see as humans nor is in our realm of experience. We do not perceive them. Here in v. 3 John gives this Word he is talking about credit for creating and making even those places Paul is referring to in Ephesians by making the statement that all things were made by Him and goes further making it clear that there was nothing made that was not made by Him.

In v. 4 he shares another aspect of His part in creation. Here in v. 4 he credits the One he is talking about with the essence of the magic of ‘Life’.  In our realm of experience in life here on earth there are two major groups of things that are known to us as humans, material non living and material living. For some reason if we were just make the claim of a man putting together non living matter we might give some credence to the possibility of the thought of that being possible for man has proved himself here. But, to the creating of life, that is something else.

Man having the ability to take different material things and to craft, tool or chemically alter them to produce something complex and much different to the original components comes into the possibility of mans acceptance. But, giving life to those things is a whole different animal. The giving of life is only credited with God or divinity, and here John gives this Word who walked on earth as a man the credit for all life. We will soon see that he is referring to Christ here in this verse (v. 14). He refers to this life as the Light of men, the light that turns on the body at birth and turns off the same at death.

However, in v. 5 he uses another descriptive term that he attributes to the Word that he talked about in v. 1, saying that this Word is responsible for the light that shines into darkness. It is interesting that he couples v.4 and 5 together here. One could take v. 5 to mean he is referring to the light that shines in any darkness, for we know that light overcomes darkness in almost any application. But, coupling it with v. 4 he appears to be referring more to the light of God overcoming the darkness found in man saying that the light will have its way in the heart of man. This light will either win in the outcome being either a change of heart in the ‘New Birth’ as explained in the first part of chapter 3 of John or will win resulting in judgment, Jn. 3:18. Here in v. 5 John tells us that light will win and will have its way in either case, but the outcome for the created thing may be different.

The Gospel of John - Introduction

The Gospel of John - Intro

When reading the beginning opening statements and comments of John’s Gospel one might be struck by the details that he lists here in the beginning. It is enough to wonder about the magnitude of the claims that he makes about Jesus being God and Who He is and what He did. But, for John to begin his Gospel making such fantastic claims concerning a person that he walked with is far more amazing!

Making such claims right out of the gate can only mean that he has a lot to tell us. He is saying, ‘Here is the Big Picture. Now let me give you the details…’ To begin his Gospel listing these claims concerning someone that he walked next to must only mean that what he experienced cannot be easily conveyed to another on paper. He will make this statement to us in the very last verse of this book in Jn. 21:25 (READ)(also Jn. 20:30) where he makes the statement that what he will shared with us is only a partial record of what happened declaring to us that there is no way to tell the complete story of his experience, and that his underlying purpose in sharing his experience with the world was not to give a historical record of what happened, recorded for intellectual stimulation and entertainment, but to convince those who will listen and are looking for The Answer to life that this is IT.

This Jesus really is the One that you are looking for. He is the end of the line for your search for truth, the Destination you are aiming for in life and that through this Door life begins and opens to a broad horizon, a journey that could last a lifetime…even eternity.

It is only what we would call ‘natural’ for man to be afraid of God and to not want to get close, to stand at a distance instead of encountering an actual experience with the One True God. But, John will tell us ‘Not to be afraid’.

In the Old Testament we see man’s reaction to God when God told Moses to prepare the people for Him encouraging Israel to prepare to come close to God. But, God is a Consuming Fire, and the people were afraid. I might say that I can identify with their response. When reading how God appeared to them on the mount with lighting, smoke and the mount trembling I would have to say that I might initially respond much as they did. But, how would you expect God to come?

But Moses didn’t react the way the rest of Israel did. Moses knew God. And, although Moses knew how to approach God and that he needed to approach God in a certain way, he looked forward to his encounters with Him, as did other O. T. patriarchs such as Abraham. Moses and Abraham would both tell us, ‘Come near…Don’t be afraid.’ But, in the same breath they would tell us…’remember as you come near remember that He is God’. John will do the same.

John is not going to just challenge us to believe some historical facts meant for intellectual stimulation, attempting to prove that he was right concerning Who this person Christ was/is. But, in writing this account he is going to be asking us to go farther than just intellectual assent as to some historic fasts.  He is going to ask us to not be afraid and to come close to God, giving up all our inhabitations, letting go of everything that holds us back and to run and jump into the Fathers arms!

He will not only tell us the theory of his beliefs about God, but he will show us how to relate to God. John was a good man and is a good practical example for us to follow in our own relationship with the Lord. He had a special relationship with the Lord. You will find John being invited and being present at some of the most intimate experiences with our Lord, like the transfiguration and Christ’s agony at Gethsemane.  

He was one of the three closest of the disciples to our Lord sometimes referred to by some as the inner circle and in a number of passages referred to as the ‘disciple whom Jesus loved’. He was also the disciple who the Lord commended His mother to while on the cross. Jn. 19:26

It is good to remember that John at the time of this writing was older in the faith, the date of his writing of this book given at approximately 90-5 A.D. All of the other N.T. writings other than John’s writings were written much earlier than this. John at the time of his writings was well seasoned in the faith.

When reading John’s Gospel you will also notice something somewhat unique to John and his writings. There is a personal and personable component found in his writings.  When reading John’s writings you will see John, …leading the way, …looking over his shoulder as it were, …with a smile on his face and a trusting look in his eye, …saying Come. It IS safe. I have tested the water. I speak from experience. Watch I will put my head on His breast. I can come close to God and embrace Him, and …you know what? He hugged me back. This is John’s Gospel.

We read this in one of John’s later letters in I John chapter one in verses 1-4 (READ) where he tells us just how close he got to God. In the KJV he uses the word ‘handled’ where he says that he/they ‘handled the ‘Word of life’, going on to say that such an encounter ends in belonging or what he called ‘fellowship’. In chapter 15 of John he reveals to us what level of relationship that is possible with God where He calls us friends(v. 15-17). Both references make it clear that when we have this ‘fellowship’ with God we have fellowship with each other, belonging to the ‘family’ of God.

But, John goes on sharing his account being honest with us saying that there is more to this picture. At the same time as he encourages us to come close to God he reminds us that there are and have been obstacles to this relationship between us and God, and, that these obstacles cannot be ignored if we are to have ‘fellowship’ with each other and with God on the level that John is suggesting(I Jn. 1:5-10 READ).

He will not mince words or beat around the bush being vague concerning the barriers/obstacles to this fellowship. John will encourage us to ‘let it go’ and ‘come’ leaving behind those things that get in the way of our communion with God and each other. He will tell us that in doing so we will have found what we have been looking for. Finding God and coming close is our destination and purpose in life we find home and family. We belong. In coming home life isn’t over…it is just beginning.

As we begin this study I would encourage you to think in pictures. These events really did happen, and they are meant for us as examples that we are to consider applying to our life. As we watch a movie scene we often process what we are seeing as to how it applies to us, often applying those parts that we identify with to our own life. These are real people caught in life in real life situations, and not just fictitious stories and made up scenarios like you might see in a Hollywood movie that in reality don’t quite fit real life.

You will find John’s account to be real. The details and facts are included, and even the names are not changed to protect the innocent. Parts aren’t changed or altered to make better sales at the box office. He tells us that this is what really happened. The facts and details are true.

John is going to make some fantastic claims here…and then back up these claims with experience, telling us his story or experience. One of the best ways to share our faith with others is to share with others our experience with God. This is what John in essence will do with us.

It is true that in reading John’s account we will see ‘John’s account’ and will see John’s personality in his writings which will have a different perspective than maybe Mathew, Mark or Luke might have.  John’s perspective in writing was to declare to the world that ‘This is the Messiah’ and in doing so to call the world to make a decision as to what they believe.

Mathew, on the other hand, will mainly write to his people the Jews showing them that this was the One that they have been waiting for. The One the prophecies said would come. Because of John’s perspective you will see John record some details not found in the other Gospels. Remember, John at the end of his Gospel gives us the reason for the variations in the Gospels in Jn. 21:25 (Read) saying that there is no way to record everything that they saw, but also reminds us in the preceding verse, v. 24, that the facts that they recorded are true.

John led by the Holy Spirit penned his Gospel with a different audience in mind from the other Gospel writers. In reality, it could be said that in actuality God the Holy Spirit penned His message to us and the world through the Gospel writers using their personalities to better convey His message to a lost world.

The Gospel writers did not intend to record every detail of all the events they experienced, but what they did record they would witness and say that it was enough to believe their message as to who this Person Jesus was and to prompt a response to Him. John and the other Gospel writers believe that no more need to be said than this to convince one who is truly looking for God and the Truth to life.

He begins his argument by making a declaration. He will tell us right up front what he is about and what he is asking us to believe. But, even though he makes it clear in the beginning as to what he is asking us to believe he would also say to us ‘Not so fast’. Be sure you have the details before you make such a decision either way. Listen to my experience before you make up your mind. John is not going to trick us into believing. He will make an argument for the truth and then will leave the decision to believe or not up to the hearer. Also, for those that have already believed the Biblical account he will attempt to strengthen our resolve and challenge us to go deeper. Next week we will begin John’s Gospel which he starts in a Big way!