The Word Was God: Gospel of John Chapter 1-10

By Dennis Herman

It didn't take long for the first few chapters of John's Gospel to reveal John recorded a series of detailed stories showing how Jesus reached out to individuals and groups of people. John's unique way of recording details showed how Jesus prepared for each meeting and how He developed a personal connection with the people He was able to reach. In chapter 3, Jesus used one method to reach Nicodemus, the religious teacher. In the next chapter, Jesus used an entirely different method to talk to the unnamed woman at a well in Samaria. The amazing thing about those two stories is, it took Nicodemus, the expert on religious law three years to catch on. The woman at the well took a few minutes to understand. She immediately went out and of all places, led thousands in Samaria to Jesus. Some times Jesus was successful, other times people walked away. As voluntary soldiers in Christ's army, we owe it to Him to study details John went to great lengths to record.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329039995

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The Word Was God: Gospel of John Chapter 1-10

The Word Was God:

Gospel of John Chapter 1-10

Written by Dennis Herman

Copyright © 2015 Dennis Herman

All rights reserved

ISBN 978-1-329-03999-5

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Published by: Lulu.com

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NLTse New Living. Translation®. SECOND EDITION Tyndale House Publishers, Inc

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Scripture quotations marked (NLT) (NLTse) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Introduction John Chapters 1-10

It didn't take long for the first few chapters of John's Gospel to reveal how John recorded a series of detailed stories showing the methods Jesus used to reach out to individuals and groups of people. John's unique way of recording details showed how Jesus prepared for each meeting and how He developed a personal connection with the people He was able to reach. In chapter 3, Jesus used one method to reach Nicodemus, the religious teacher. In the next chapter, Jesus used an entirely different method to talk to the unnamed woman at a well in Samaria. The amazing thing about those two stories is, it took Nicodemus, the expert on religious law three years to catch on. The woman at the well took a few minutes to understand. She immediately went out and of all places, led thousands in Samaria to Jesus.

Some times Jesus was successful, other times people walked away. As voluntary soldiers in Christ's army, we owe it to Him to study details John went to great lengths to record. So many answers and directions are found in those details. Not only are the fundamental methods Jesus used to minister recorded by John, the disciple Jesus loved also showed us, Jesus failed, and understands our work far more than we expect.

I never noticed this until I wrote this book, but John's Gospel skipped over major potions of Jesus' ministry recorded in other Gospels. John didn't list a lot of miracles Jesus performed. That's what made it evident John's focus was on the people Jesus met and how He reacted to each one. John also showed how Jesus had to wait at times to give God's Spirit time to arrange details, such as prepare people to hear Jesus' messages. John's book clearly showed God's Spirit at work with Jesus, as well as people He ministered to. A  look at the methods Jesus used will not provide a list of sure fire steps to follow that will save everyone, but will show us, each individual requires a different approach only the Spirit knows. John's book shows us, Jesus had to rely on the Spirit to know how to approach people. John also showed us, the combination of Jesus and the Spirit didn't always work. But that didn't stop Jesus from trying right up to the end.

John Chapter 1

John 1:1-51 NLTse  In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (2)  He existed in the beginning with God.  (3)  God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.  (4)  The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.  (5)  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.  (6)  God sent a man, John the Baptist,  (7)  to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.  (8)  John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.  (9)  The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.  (10)  He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him.  (11)  He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.  (12)  But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.  (13)  They are reborn--not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.  (14)  So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son.  (15)  John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, 'Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'"  (16)  From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.  (17)  For the law was given through Moses, but God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.  (18)  No one has ever seen God. But the one and only Son is himself God and is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us.  (19)  This was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, Who are you?  (20)  He came right out and said, "I am not the Messiah."  (21)  Well then, who are you? they asked. Are you Elijah? No, he replied. "Are you the Prophet we are expecting? No.  (22)  Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?"  (23)  John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Clear the way for the LORD's coming!'  (24)  Then the Pharisees who had been sent  (25)  asked him, "If you aren't the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?  (26)  John told them, I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize.  (27)  Though his ministry follows mine, I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal."  (28)  This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.  (29)  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  (30)  He is the one I was talking about when I said, 'A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'  (31)  I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel."  (32)  Then John testified, "I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him.  (33)  I didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'  (34)  I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God."  (35)  The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples.  (36)  As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, "Look! There is the Lamb of God!"  (37)  When John's two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.  (38)  Jesus looked around and saw them following. What do you want? he asked them. They replied, Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are you staying?  (39)  Come and see, he said. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.  (40)  Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus.  (41)  Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ).  (42)  Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, Your name is Simon, son of John--but you will be called Cephas (which means Peter).  (43)  The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Come, follow me.  (44)  Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter's hometown.  (45)  Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.  (46)  Nazareth! exclaimed Nathanael. Can anything good come from Nazareth? Come and see for yourself," Philip replied.  (47)  As they approached, Jesus said, Now here is a genuine son of Israel--a man of complete integrity.  (48)  How do you know about me? Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, "I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.  (49)  Then Nathanael exclaimed, Rabbi, you are the Son of God--the King of Israel!"  (50)  Jesus asked him, Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.  (51)  Then he said, "I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth."

I have to confess, I've been looking forward to writing this book on John's Gospel for some time. John's book is the most passionate Gospel about Jesus, including a number of chapters about lessons Jesus taught not found in the other three Gospels. Matthew seems to have the most events, which makes writing stories rather easy. Mark unfolded on its own showing two main themes, how Jesus taught to understand all scripture and the relationship Jesus was looking for. Luke had a tendency of skipping over some details while lingering on others. Luke's book was perfect for showing how God's Spirit worked behind the scenes to set up every event so Jesus was able to fulfill every prophecy about Himself. Which brought me to one of the biggest surprises I've seen in the Bible.

The end of John's first chapter describes how Jesus was sent to be a connection between Heaven and earth, the perfect description of the book I wrote on Luke's Gospel showing how God's Spirit worked throughout Jesus' ministry. John's description not only says there is a connection, he says we will see that connection.

His Word is Light

John 1:1-9 NLTse  In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (2)  He existed in the beginning with God.  (3)  God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.  (4)  The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.  (5)  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.  (6)  God sent a man, John the Baptist,  (7)  to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.  (8)  John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.  (9)  The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

I always loved the beginning of John's book. I wonder how long he thought about the beginning of his book before he sat down, picked up a pen and started writing. I can see how words just flowed for John. Out of the four gospels, John's is the most poetic. Words and sentences flow like a man writing to his love half way around the world. But in this case, John's first love is a universe away.

Let's pause for a moment to estimate that distance between Jesus and John. We can't estimate that distance in meters or miles. We can't estimate that time in hours, days, or years. Looking at the other side of the coin, we can't estimate the closeness they shared until we experience it ourselves. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.

(Romans 8:38-39, Psalms 103:1, 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLTse)

If it's one thing I've learned about writing, it really slows you down, allowing you to concentrate on each word, and God's still, small voice. Highlighting key words also slows you down. Making a list of key words helps to see the main points the author is emphasizing. Let's look at the list of keys words John gave us up to this point.

Word

Light

Beginning, existed

Created

Life

Key words are words the author repeated to draw attention to his main thought, point, or lesson. Key words are words that are the SAME, SIMILAR, or RELATED.

It may take a bit of practice to develop a pattern highlighting key words. I look at it as a fundamental and necessary way for God's Spirit to slow you down and get you to listen. It's difficult to thoroughly highlight all the key words in one pass. You have no choice but to go back and forth over scripture to do a complete job. Many people have heard of other texts in the Bible that show us how to study, such as line upon line, and using a churning method of going back and forth over scripture. Now you know what that means.

The key words John repeated paint a picture all their own. We have a saying here on earth, a man is known by his words and actions. John covered both those aspects at the very beginning of his book. He also covered another aspect of Jesus he had to learn, Jesus' divinity. Jesus lives in a different time as well as place.

John tells us, the Word is God and existed in the beginning. What beginning? John described the beginning as creation. John also pointed out how God created everything through Jesus. What does it mean to create everything through Jesus? I'm not going to speculate. Writing on the gospels has also taught me, there are some things we have to leave in God's hands.

God's Word gave life. We could go on and on about that. But we will stick with the context of this book and not wander away from John's written words and main theme he is trying to convey. I am sure we are going to see that life unfold as we go through John's book.

John tells us, Jesus' life brought light to everyone and His Word gave life to everything. This is a reference to creation as well as Jesus' ministry. One story could not have been fulfilled without the other. That's why it's important to study Jesus' ministry as a whole. John pointed out that ministry began before creation. Maybe that's why it's difficult for people to comprehend Jesus as a person, friend, and all the other things He wants out of our relationship together. How can normal human beings tie in all the aspects of God's Word, light, and life? They can't. Not without God. Anyone whose listened to God through His Word will know, many of the most important aspects of those three are difficult if not impossible to explain. It seems strange to be in God's Word, in His presence to see details that seem so simple to understand, but a minute later feel impossible to explain. That's another one of those mysteries of God's Word. Some things are better left to God's Spirit to explain. Only God's personal light can piece that darkness. If there was an easier way, Jesus would not have had to come here in person to feel the heat, cold, pain, suffering, ridicule, and temptations of this world. Of course Jesus came to this world to accomplish much more than face temptation. That is one aspect on the surface of Jesus' life. Once you know Him, you will see much more about His ministry.

In addition to His Word, God works through other avenues of communication. John introduced one of those in the introduction, His messengers. John the Baptist was one of them. John not only introduced Jesus' ministry, he also confirmed God's Word. That's one of the ways God communicates with us. Did that ever happen to you? There you are reading God's Word, then suddenly see a lesson or detail that seems so clear and makes so much sense, you wonder why you never saw it before. Your excited, but not sure how other people will accept it. How does God get around that problem? If He showed you the lesson in His Word three times, your still not going to be convinced it is something to share. God goes to plan B. He puts someone in your life you meet during the week who studied the same subject. You begin talking and can't believe your not the only person to see those details. Has that ever happened to you? If you start studying, it will.

There is another rule of context we need to look at. That rule tells us to look back in scripture to see how the Author led into this story. This rule also works with chapters. You might ask how could that work at the beginning of a book? Don't forget who actually wrote these books in the Bible. It was God!Human hands may have put pen to paper, but John told us how God's Word existed before the creation of this world.

Here is one of the most important Bible Study steps you want to learn and use:

Always look back to see how the author led into the event at hand. Most of us know in original scripture, neither the Old or New Testaments were divided into chapters and verses. That came much later. That has little to do with this rule, but to understand scripture, we have to look for patterns. One of those is how the author lead from one event to the next.

In this case we have to compare the last few verses in Luke's book to the introduction John wrote. This may seem strange based on human standards and the way this world thinks, but the Bible is no ordinary book.

Then he said, When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.' You are witnesses of all these things. And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven." Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God. (Luke 24:44-53 NLTse).

Luke told us, the prophecies about Jesus' ministry and the plan of salvation, were written long ago. John added an explanation by telling us, they were written, or at least formulated before creation. This may seem like a small detail to some, but to those who know and understand God, it shows how God obviously established an exact and perfect pattern to write His book. We know them as the rules of context. Another rule tells us the introduction and summation show us the main theme in a chapter.

This is one of the most important Bible Study rules of context you want to learn and use:

The introduction and summation of each chapter establishes the main theme, thought, and lesson on the chapter. Themes may be established by key words, thoughts, or contrasts.

How do you know about me? Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you. Then Nathanael exclaimed, Rabbi, you are the Son of God--the King of Israel! Jesus asked him, "Do you believe this just because I