The Weekly Show: Episode 31 - John 1:1-5

Walnut Grove

Join Tim and John as they give an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 1 Verses1-5.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire

Background to the Gospel of John

The Author

The Gospel of John is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, the son of Zebedee and brother of James, who was one of Jesus' closest disciples. John is often referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), which emphasizes his close personal relationship with Jesus.

Key evidence for John as the author includes:

1. Internal Evidence: The writer displays detailed knowledge of Jewish customs, geography, and events during Jesus' ministry, suggesting an eyewitness account (John 19:35).
2. Church Tradition: Early church fathers like Irenaeus, who was a disciple of Polycarp (a disciple of John), affirm John’s authorship.

The Date It Was Written

The Gospel of John was likely written between AD 85–95, although some argue for an earlier date (AD 70-80).

Why It Was Written

John explicitly states the purpose of his Gospel:

“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)

• Evangelistic Purpose:

• To lead readers to believe in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.
• John emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and His role in salvation.

• Theological Focus:

• To provide deeper insights into Jesus' identity and mission.
• John's Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the Logos (Word), the incarnate God who brings eternal life (John 1:1-14).

• Addressing Challenges:

• • By the time John wrote, heretical movements like Gnosticism and opposition from Jewish leaders were growing. John’s Gospel confronts these by affirming Jesus' humanity and divinity.

Unique Features of John’s Gospel

• Focus on Jesus’ Divinity:

• John presents Jesus as the eternal Word who existed before creation (John 1:1-5).

• Signs and “I Am” Statements:

• John records seven miraculous signs to reveal Jesus’ divine authority.
• Includes seven “I Am” statements where Jesus identifies Himself as God (e.g., “I am the bread of life,” John 6:35).

• Distinct from Synoptic Gospels:

• John excludes events like the parables and the Last Supper institution, focusing more on Jesus' identity and theological significance.

• Personal Encounters:

• • Highlights unique interactions, such as Jesus with Nicodemus (John 3), the Samaritan woman (John 4), and Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11).

Bible Study on John 1:1-5

The Gospel of John opens with a powerful, poetic prologue that reveals the divine nature of Jesus Christ, known here as "the Word." These opening verses set the tone for the entire Gospel by emphasizing Christ's eternal nature, His role in creation, and His relationship to life and light. In this study, we will explore the deep theological truths presented in John 1:1-5 by comparing them with key scriptures, beginning with the eternal nature of God, moving to His role as Creator, and concluding with His identity as life and light.

1. In the Beginning was the Word: The Eternal Nature of God

2. Through Him All Things Were Made: God the Creator

3. In Him Was Life: God is Life

4. The Light Shines in the Darkness: God is Light

Conclusion

The opening verses of John’s Gospel lay a rich theological foundation, emphasizing the eternal, creative, life-giving, and illuminating nature of Jesus Christ. As "the Word," Jesus is not only preexistent but divine, participating in creation and sustaining life. He is the light that overcomes darkness, and through Him, we find life and truth.