The Word

John is unique from all other gospel in the aspect of how he tells the origins of Jesus. Matthew and Luke show Jesus’ beginnings from a human perspective. Matthew has Jesus’ legal genealogy, Luke has the spiritual one. Mark tells the story of Jesus beginning with John the Baptist baptizing him.

John, on the other hand goes WAAAAAAAAY back to the beginning of time before creation.

Genesis 1:1–2 ESV

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Why does John do this? What does Jesus and Genesis have to do with one another? Let me lay down a couple Biblical presuppositions.

John 5:39 ESV

39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

In context, Jesus is talking about the Torah (Law), the Nebhiim (Prophets), and Kethubim (Writings). Virtually, everything that makes up our modern OT cannon.

I know what you are asking, “Christ is in Leviticus?!?!?” YEP! “1 Chronicles?” Yes! “All of those names i can’t pronounce?” mmhmm! Here’s why...

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

There are a lot of allusions and quotations from the Old Testament in John. God put many clues in the Old Testament pointing to this Messiah.

And here’s why this matters. There are some today that wish to reach the culture by “unhitching” the OT from the NT. There is a problem with this thinking is that you’ll be hard pressed to find a book of the New Testament that doesn’t make reference to the Old.

It is often said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.

So, why does John mention that the Word was with God and the Word was God in the beginning?

The word for “Word” is λόγος. Greeks would use this for reason or rational thought. Their whole worldview centered around understanding.

λόγος. Greeks would use this for reason or rational thought. Their whole worldview centered around understanding.

Revelation 19:13 ESV

13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.

1 John 1:1 ESV

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—

1 John 5:7 ESV

7 For there are three that testify:

1 John 5:7–8 NKJV

7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.

Colossians 1:15–17 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:What does John say about the Word?

Revelation 13:8 ESV

8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

What does John say about the Word?

John 17:5 ESV

5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

What does John say about the Word?

B. Jesus is Equal to God (1:1b, 2)

Two times in the course of 1:1-2, the preposition πρὸς is used in the sense of having a face-to-face relationship. And thus, Jesus has equal standing with God the Father.

πρὸς is used in the sense of having a face-to-face relationship. And thus, Jesus has equal standing with God the Father.

John 5:18 ESV

18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

John 10:30 ESV

30 I and the Father are one.”

John 5:18

John 14:9 ESV

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

C. Jesus is God (1:1c)

The word “was” is in the imperfect tense. It carries the idea of a continual, repetitive action in time past.

There was never a time where Jesus stoped being God and then started being God again. Jesus has always been God in time past and will be into time future.

Application: What you believe about Jesus Christ/theology/the Bible MATTERS!

Here is how world religions think about Jesus

Mormonism: Jesus is the spirit-brother of Lucifer, created being, Both Jesus and Lucifer came up with plans to redeem man. Elohim liked Jesus’ plan better, setting Lucifer to rebel.

Jehovah’s Witness (AKA Watchtower Bible and Tract Society): Jesus is nothing more than a created being, resurrected as Michael the Archangel

Islam: Jesus is just a prophet, worldview declares that Allah cannot have a son.

Modern Judaism: Jesus is nothing more than a good, moral teacher

Scientology: The teaching of Jesus being God as explained by the Bible is rejected, L. Ron Hubbard taught that Jesus was just a little bit above clear (lived slightly above standard). [If you can explain that to me, I’ll buy lunch!]

Oneness Pentecostalism: Jesus is one of the three “modes” of the godhead

Hinduism: Jesus is one of millions of gods

Christian Science: Jesus is a perfect human being

Biblical Christianity: Jesus is 100% God and 100% man. Which is He exactly? YES!

I’m going to show my cards early on. The Bible is exclusive in its claims.

2 Corinthians 11:4 ESV

4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

It is totally possible for someone to say the name of Jesus and have it mean a totally different connotation. In fact, according to a Canadian nudist arsonist cult, “Jesus” is a code word for certain mushrooms to consume to get high before getting naked setting things on fire.

2 cor 12:

Your relationship with Christ is defined by one question, “WHO IS JESUS?” Not to you. objectively, who is Jesus to you?

Matthew 16:13-16

Matthew 16:13–16 ESV

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Thomas knew the gravity of knowing who Jesus was in .

John 20:21 ESV

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

John 20:28 ESV

28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

The Greek makes it very clear. ὁ κύριός μου καὶ ὁ θεός μου. Literally, it means “The Lord of me and the God of me.”

Titus 2:13 ESV

13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

ὁ κύριός μου καὶ ὁ θεός μου.

Both God and Savior in the Greek are referring to the same thing. (TSKS/Grandville Sharpe Rule)

Romans 9:5 ESV

5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

Romans

1 John 5:20 ESV

20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6–7 ESV

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Hebrews 1:8 ESV

8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Some of you might be tapping out right now. For some, you’re like, “I don’t get it!” And it is understandable because our puny little brains cannot comprehend the infinitude of God and the hypostatic union between the two natures of Christ much like we have a hard time comprehending the concept of infinity. If we did, than we would all be gods. All we can do is apprehend it because the Bible teaches the doctrine of the Trinity and the deity of Christ.

I just want to ask you one small favor, HANG IN THERE! This is a lot of heavy lifting, but it is crucial to understand this book we’ll be in for the next two years.

II. Jesus’ Relationship with Creation (1:3-5)

John 1:3–5 ESV

3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A. Jesus is the Creator (1:3)

John 1:3 ESV

3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

The “Him” John is referring to is the Word. It is interesting because John says in 1:1 that the Word was “In the beginning...” This takes is back to .

Genesis 1:1 ESV

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Here in , we read...

John 1:3 ESV

3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

This may seem like a contradiction, but it is really not. God created everything through Jesus Christ.

John 1:10 ESV

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.

Ephesians 3:9 ESV

9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,

John 1:10

Colossians 1:16–17 ESV

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Proverbs 3:19 ESV

19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens;

Proverba 3:19

So Jesus was the means by how all things were made. He made all things through the Son of God.

B. Jesus is Life and Light (1:4-5)

John 1:4–5 ESV

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The word for “Overcome” is κατέλαβεν. It is more likely more accurately translated as “apprehend”.

John is going to be interspersing these themes of life, light, and darkness all throughout John.

In these verses, John is referring to Jesus as the source of life and light.

And what you need to know is that in this culture, Light and life are juxtaposed with darkness and death.

You see in , we read...

Isaiah 9:1–2 ESV

1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

Jesus says in ...

John 8:12 ESV

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

R.C. Sproul wrote in his commentary, “Sometimes people speak mockingly of those who are converted, saying they have “seen the light,” but they’re closer to the truth than they realize. For me, conversion was the point when “the lights went on”; I understood things I had not grasped before. I saw that there was life in Christ, that He gives eternal life. Conversely, of course, outside of Christ there may be biological life, but there is no ultimate life—there is only spiritual death.” [R. C. Sproul, John, St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary (Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009), 4.]

Recently, when I read this verse, which I have read countless times before, I was prompted to think back over my lifetime and rehearse the meaningful moments of my personal experience, and clearly the most defining moment in my life was my conversion to Christ. Sometimes people speak mockingly of those who are converted, saying they have “seen the light,” but they’re closer to the truth than they realize. For me, conversion was the point when “the lights went on”; I understood things I had not grasped before. I saw that there was life in Christ, that He gives eternal life. Conversely, of course, outside of Christ there may be biological life, but there is no ultimate life—there is only spiritual death.

John 14:6 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

R. C. Sproul, John, St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary (Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2009), 4.

The world is in darkness. Those who reject the light stay in darkness. But those who receive the light receive life through Jesus Christ.

John 10:10 ESV

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

This life isn’t just for now. it is for eternity.

James 4:14 ESV

14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Question: Who were you in your BC (before Christ) days before God turned on the light in your lives?

John 20:30–31 ESV

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 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.

Question: Who were you in your BC (before Christ) days before God turned on the light in your lives?

If we were honest, all of us in our spiritual depravity are more like Al Capone., than Mother Theresa.

For those who are doubting me on this, let me ask, “When was the last time you’ve been to the ball pit at Chuck E. Cheese’s?”

Sufjan Stevens wrote at the end of a song named after the famed serial killer and rapist John Wayne Gacy Jr. who was executed in Crest Hill, Illinois, “And in my best behavior/I’m really just like him/look beneath the floor boards/for the secrets I have hid.”

III. Jesus’ Relationship with John the Baptist (1:6-8)

John 1:6–8 ESV

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

A. John the Baptist was Sent from God (1:6)

In between Malachi and Matthew, there was four-hundred years of silence. But in the silence, God was sovereignly orchestrating things through the Persia, Greece, Macedonia, and Rome. Those were the superpowers of the day. You also see a lot of prophecies from Daniel come to pass. Then from 64 BC, you have an emperor named Augustus that instituted the Pax Romana after he defeated Marc Anthony (not the husband of J-Lo). And in this you have roads, prosperity, a common language, and an unprecedented peace. There has never been a time like this in history before or since!

Here’s what I can take comfort in. Just because I might be in a dark night of the soul or everything is so dry spiritually does not mean that God’s hand of providence is not moving!

When everything was in place, God sent John the Baptist with a message. This message is that the Messiah is coming!

Isaiah 40:3–5 ESV

3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Matthew 11:11 ESV

11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

So, God chose to break his silence to send John to tell about Christ.

B. John the Baptist was a Witness to the Light (1:7-8)

John 5:33 ESV

33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.

V. 7-8: The word “witness” is another key word to the book of John.

The word “witness” in Greek is the word μαρτυς. In Secular Greek, a μαρτυς would be someone who would testify in legal transactions or cases.It is also used of someone who comes into a courtroom to provide testimony. This word is used 50x in John alone! And what you’ll see through John is multiple testimonies from different people giving testimony to who Jesus is.

The word “witness” in Greek is the word μαρτυς. In Secular Greek, a μαρτυς would be someone who would testify in legal transactions or cases. This word is used 50x in John alone! And what you’ll see through John is multiple testimonies from different people giving testimony to who Jesus is.

The Father (, , )

Jesus’ works (; ; ; ; )

John the Baptist [a.k.a. Christ’s forerunner] (; , )

Jesus’ Disciples (; ; )

Jesus Himself (; )

John 5:33 ESV

33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.

Word Studies in the New Testament The Second Division of the Prologue. The Word Disowned

He develops the idea under the following forms: The witness of the Father (5:31, 34, 37); the witness of Christ himself (8:14; 18:37); the witness of works (5:17, 36; 10:25; 14:11; 15:24); the witness of Scripture (5:39, 40, 46; 1:46); the witness of the forerunner (1:7; 5:33, 35); the witness of the disciples (15:27; 19:35; 21:24; 1 John 1:2; 4:14); the witness of the Spirit (15:26; 16:13, 14; 1 John 5:6).

The witness that John is talking about has already been declared about in . But he emphatically declares himself not to be the light (as we will see next week).

1. Witness to the Power of the Word.

Application: If you are in Christ, You are called to be a witness

Acts 1:8 ESV

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Years before Jesus was born, Isaiah prophesied that there would be one the Messiah that would make way for him.

Isaiah 40:3–5 ESV

IV. Jesus’ Relationship with His Covenant People (1:9-13)

John 1:9–13 ESV

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

A. Announcement (1:9)

What is the announcement? Light came to give life to the World.

John 8:12 ESV

12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John the Baptist witnessed the power of the Light to bring salvation. The light that brings life to everyone who believes. This is the light that John is pointing to. All of Jerusalem came to him. When they did, John pointed the people to Christ.

Application: Be careful on what teachers you listen to. Are they pointing to Christ?

B. Apathy (1:10-11)

Why did Jesus come into the world?

John 3:17 ESV

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

But while Christ came to Earth, his own creation rejected him. In fact, the world did not know him. They became apathetic to His ministry. Jews and Gentiles, rejected Him.

Romans 5:8 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 15:13 ESV

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

C. Acceptance (1:12-13)

John 1:12–13 ESV

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

right - ἐξουσία = Authority

Christ gives his elect the authority to become children of God through repentance and faith.

right - ἐξουσία = Authority

We get th

Verse 13 - Christians are not born again by the will of man, but out of God.

John 3:3 ESV

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

We are born once physically, but we are born again spiritually.

Romans 8:29–30 ESV

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Ephesians 1:4 ESV

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Romans 10:13 ESV

13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Mark 8:34 ESV

34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

God desires all to be saved, but not all will receive salvation.

“Many people ask, “You mean all that I have to do is to say I believe?” Yes, that is all you have to do, but let’s see what that implies. With the verb “to believe” there is always a preposition—sometimes en (in), sometimes eis (into), or sometimes epi (upon). You must believe into, in, or upon Jesus Christ. Let me illustrate with a chair. I am standing beside a chair and I believe it will hold me up, but it is not holding me up. Why? Because I have only a head knowledge. I just say, “Yes, it will hold me up.” Now suppose I believe into the chair by sitting in it. See what I mean? I am committing my entire weight to it and it is holding me up. Is Christ holding you up? Is He your Savior? It is not a question of standing to the side and saying, “Oh, yes, I believe Jesus is the Son of God.” The question is have you trusted Him, have you believed into Him, are you resting in Him? This chair is holding me up completely. And at this moment Christ is my complete Savior. I am depending on Him; I am resting in Him.” - Dr. J. Vernon McGee [J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary: The Gospels (), electronic ed., vol. 38 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), 30.]

Many people ask, “You mean all that I have to do is to say I believe?” Yes, that is all you have to do, but let’s see what that implies. With the verb “to believe” there is always a preposition—sometimes en (in), sometimes eis (into), or sometimes epi (upon). You must believe into, in, or upon Jesus Christ. Let me illustrate with a chair. I am standing beside a chair and I believe it will hold me up, but it is not holding me up. Why? Because I have only a head knowledge. I just say, “Yes, it will hold me up.” Now suppose I believe into the chair by sitting in it. See what I mean? I am committing my entire weight to it and it is holding me up. Is Christ holding you up? Is He your Savior? It is not a question of standing to the side and saying, “Oh, yes, I believe Jesus is the Son of God.” The question is have you trusted Him, have you believed into Him, are you resting in Him? This chair is holding me up completely. And at this moment Christ is my complete Savior. I am depending on Him; I am resting in Him.

J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary: The Gospels (), electronic ed., vol. 38 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), 30.

V. Jesus’ Relationship with Humanity (1:14-18)

John 1:14–18 ESV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

A. Jesus’ Ministry (1:14)

So, this idea of Jesus being the Word, this “reason” or personification of wisdom became one of us.

John 1:1 ESV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Here in v. 14, God put on human flesh.

1 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

2 John 7 ESV

7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Colossians 2:9 ESV

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,

Philippians 2:7 ESV

7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

God stepped out of eternity into time and space and added to His divinity, humanity.

The word for “dwelt” is the Greek word ἐσκήνωσεν. It is used in a sense “to pitch one’s tent”

And at this time, Greek was the universal language. So, the Greeks took the Hebrew Old Testament and translated it into the Septuagint. And this word, ἐσκήνωσεν is used in to describe how Yahweh wanted the people to build a tabernacle to dwell with them. For the Jews being led by Moses in the wilderness, the Tabernacle was the meeting place of God where His Shekinah glory would fill the place ().

Matthew 17:1–13 ESV

1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

2 Peter 1:17–18 ESV

17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

Matthew 17:1-

Jesus’ glory was concealed.

only - μονογενής

B. Jesus’ Magnificence in his Fullness (1:15-16)

John said that Jesus was before him. How could this be? V. 15 speaks of the preeminence of Jesus Christ. How can this be since the beginning of Verse 15 says that Christ came AFTER? John the Baptist is six months OLDER than Jesus. They are cousins. So, John came before Jesus PHYSICALLY. But Jesus came before John the Baptist SPIRITUALLY.

What is Jesus full of?

C. Jesus’ Message (1:17-18)

The law was given through Moses. John isn’t drawing a contrast, but a comparison.

VI. Jesus’ Relationship with Humanity (1:14-18)

The word for “dwelt” is the Greek word ἐσκήνωσεν. It is used in a sense “to pitch one’s tent”

Matthew 5:17 ESV

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Why do we need grace?

heb 10

Hebrews 10:10 ESV

10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Acts 20:32 ESV

32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

only - μονογενής

Romans 1:5 ESV

5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,

Romans 5:2 ESV

2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4:15 ESV

15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

2 Timothy 2:1 ESV

1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,

Titus 2:11–12 ESV

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

Hebrews 12:28 ESV

28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

Zechariah 4:6 ESV

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

We tend to think that as Christians, everything is up to us after Christ saves us. Such thinking is more in like with false religions like Roman Catholicism and Mormonism than Biblical Christianity.

How do we get grace?

1 Peter 5:5 ESV

5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:6 ESV

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Nobody has seen God face to face.

Moses only witnessed a theophany because he was hiding in the cleft of the rock.

Colossians 1:15 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Hebrews 1:3 NIV84

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Philippians 2:6 ESV

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.