"Coming to Grips With Jesus"
Notes
Transcript
What do you know about the “Gospel of John?”
The Gospel of John was written (around A.D. 85–95), there was already confusion about Jesus.
Some people said:
Jesus was just a man
Others said He only appeared human
Others denied He was truly God
John writes to address that confusion and make one particular thing clear -
Jesus is fully God, fully man, and the only Savior.
Turn to John 20:31 - this is why John wrote this Gospel -
Proposition - As we begin our study in the Gospel of John today I invite you to open your Bibles and turn to John 1 as we come to grips with who Jesus is.
Interrogative question - How can understanding that Jesus is both God and man affect the way you view your own life and struggles?
CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 1
1:19–2:11 This introductory unit presents the first week of Jesus’s ministry:
day 1, John’s witness about Jesus (1:19–28);
day 2, John’s encounter with Jesus (1:29–34);
day 3, John’s referral of two of his disciples to Jesus (1:35–39);
day 4, Andrew’s introduction of his brother Peter to Jesus (1:40–42);
day 5, the recruitment of Philip and Nathanael (1:43–51); and
day 7, the wedding at Cana (2:1–11).
During this early stage Jesus was hailed by John the Baptist as the “Lamb of God” (1:29, 36), gathered his first disciples, and performed his first “sign”—turning water into wine (2:11).
I. Jesus Is the Eternal God - vs. 1-5
I. Jesus Is the Eternal God - vs. 1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Historical Insight:
The term “Word” (Logos) was powerful in John’s time:
Greek thinkers used “Logos” to describe ultimate reason or order
Jewish readers understood God’s Word as His powerful self-revelation (Psalm 33:6)
👉 John takes both ideas and says:
The Logos is not a force—it is a Person: Jesus Christ.
Truths:
Jesus is eternal
Jesus is God
Jesus is the Creator
Supporting Passages:
16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Illustration:
A blueprint is not the building—but Jesus is not just the “plan” of God. He is the builder Himself.
Jesus is not a created being—He is Lord of all
Our lives belong to Him (God) Alone!!
II. Jesus is rejected by humanity - vs. 6-13
II. Jesus is rejected by humanity - vs. 6-13
6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. 9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
John introduces John the Baptist, a real historical figure who prepared the way for Christ.
Historical Insight:
John the Baptist had a large following (even outside Christianity)
Some people wrongly elevated him—so John makes clear:
“He was not the Light”
Truths:
God sends witnesses
Many people reject Christ
Some receive Him and are saved
Supporting Passages:
3 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Illustration:
It’s like ignoring a warning sign before a dangerous cliff—you don’t remove the danger, you just ignore the truth.
Don’t confuse knowing about Jesus with believing in Him
Don’t follow the crowd
III. Jesus becomes God incarnate - vs. 14-18
III. Jesus becomes God incarnate - vs. 14-18
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ ” 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
Early false teachers (later called Gnostics) claimed:
The physical world is evil
Therefore, God would never become human
👉 John directly refutes this:
God really became man.
Truths:
Jesus is fully God and fully man
He reveals God’s glory
He brings grace and truth
Supporting Passages:
6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.
Illustration:
It’s not just reading about someone—it’s them stepping into your world and living with you.
Jesus understands your struggles
You cannot know God apart from Him
IV. Jesus is the lamb of God - vs. 19-34
IV. Jesus is the lamb of God - vs. 19-34
19 This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” 24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, and said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them saying, “I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know. 27 “It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 “This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ 31 “I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.” 32 John testified saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. 33 “I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34 “I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
Jewish listeners would immediately think of:
Passover lamb (Exodus 12)
Daily temple sacrifices for sin
👉 John the Baptist is declaring:
Jesus is the final and perfect sacrifice.
CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 1
1:19–21 John denied being the Messiah (cp. vv. 8, 15; 3:28), Elijah, or the Prophet. “The Messiah” refers to the coming greater Son of David, predicted in the OT (2Sm 7:11–16; Hs 3:5). Elijah, who never died (2Kg 2:11), was expected to return in the end time (Mal 4:5) to “restore everything” (Mt 17:11; cp. Lk 1:17). John the Baptist resembled Elijah in his rugged lifestyle (Mt 3:4; cp. 2Kg 1:8) but denied being Elijah. Moses predicted the coming of “a prophet” in Dt 18:15, 18 (cp. Ac 3:22; 7:37), who was expected in Jesus’s time (Jn 6:14; 7:40); John denied being this prophet as well (though he was a prophet; see 10:40–41; Mt 11:11–14).
Truths:
Jesus came to deal with sin
He is the substitute for sinners
Supporting Passages:
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.
21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Illustration:
Imagine someone stepping in to take your punishment in court—that’s what Jesus did, but on a far greater level.
Sin is serious—it requires a sacrifice
Jesus is the only sacrifice that saves
V. Jesus calls His Children - vs. 35-42
V. Jesus calls His Children - vs. 35-42
35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
Andrew follows Jesus and brings Peter.
In Jewish culture, disciples followed a teacher’s entire life, not just their teaching
👉 Following Jesus means total commitment
Faith is personal
True believers bring others to Christ
Jesus transforms lives
Supporting Passages:
19 And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
Illustration:
When something changes your life, you talk about it—Andrew couldn’t stay silent.
Are you truly following—or just observing?
Who are you bringing to Jesus?
VI. Jesus knows you completely - vs. 43-51
VI. Jesus knows you completely - vs. 43-51
43 The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael.
Nathanael was skeptical (Nazareth was a small, unimpressive town)
Yet Jesus shows supernatural knowledge
Truths:
Jesus knows everything about you
He still calls you
He is the Son of God and King
Supporting Passages:
1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. 3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
Illustration:
Imagine someone knowing every detail of your life—and still choosing you.
You can’t hide from Jesus
But you can come to Him
SO WHAT?
Conclusion: Your Response to Jesus
John 1 teaches us that Jesus is -
The eternal God
The Creator
The Light
The Lamb
The Savior
The King
How are you going to respond to Jesus?
Reject Him
Accept Him
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,
Final Illustration:
Think of a rescue rope thrown to someone drowning. The rope is right there—but it only saves if you grab it.
Discussion Questions:
Why is it important that Jesus is both God and man?
What false ideas about Jesus exist today?
What does it mean to follow Jesus completely?
How should you respond knowing Jesus knows everything about you?
The real, true, genuine Jesus is not who culture says—He is who Scripture reveals.
CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 1
1:19–21 John denied being the Messiah (cp. vv. 8, 15; 3:28), Elijah, or the Prophet. “The Messiah” refers to the coming greater Son of David, predicted in the OT (
