Discovering the Identity of JesusSample

We’re about to read the first verses of the Gospel of John, so let’s start with the big idea of what John is about. The book’s name—Gospel of John—gives us two insights. First, “gospel” means “good news.” So this book is about good news. Second, the author is John, one of Jesus’s earliest followers and an eyewitness to much that Jesus did. He’s often called the Apostle John because Jesus sent him to tell people about his good news (“apostle” means “one sent forth”).

In the passage we’ll read today, John doesn’t begin with Jesus’s birth or even his first sermon. Instead, he begins with the creation of the universe. In fact, he starts by quoting the first words of the Old Testament: “In the beginning.” But while Genesis 1:1 reads, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” John writes, “In the beginning was the Word…all things were made through him” (John 1:1,3).

John refers to Genesis’s account of God speaking the universe into existence. For example, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Moreover, God created the heavens, the earth, animals, and people all by his powerful word.

God also healed and delivered people by his word. Furthermore, he revealed himself to people through words when he spoke to prophets.

In our Bible reading today, we’ll meet one such prophet. His name is John too, but he’s not the same person as the book’s author. He’s often called John the Baptist.

You might notice that “Word” is capitalized in John 1. That’s because (spoiler alert!) John 1:14-18 reveals the Word is Jesus.

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As you read today’s Bible passage, consider: What is the significance of Almighty God revealing himself to people?