by Kris Laurentz

Created on: June 24, 2008   Last Updated: March 23, 2009

John 1:1-17

First, let me address some of the vital information about the book of John. John was sent from God to write this book, which was around 70-95 A.D.( there is some debate as to the exact time frame), after the destruction of Jerusalem and before John's exile to Patmos. John's purpose was to reach out to non-Christians and to Christians that were new in their faith and searching for the Truth. In reaching out to these people, he wanted to prove, without a doubt, that Jesus Christ was (is) the one and only true Son of God and that if they believe in Him they will be awarded eternal life. He also wanted to make it clear that neither him nor any human was 'the light', Jesus Christ was (is) the one and only true 'light' (we are to follow His light which leads us to God).

In the beginning of John 1, it is clear that he wanted all to know that God created/made us out of nothing. Because of this, we have no reason to be prideful, and if we try to live our lives without the guidance of God we will not be able to live out the purpose/plan God has laid out for us. We are also reminded that because God is so huge (he not only created us, but he created the entire world and everything in/around it including the entire universe and beyond) that there is no problem or situation that you are facing that God can not help you with (verses 1-3).

Verses 4 and 5 explains that if you are walking in the path that God has chosen for you, He lights the path for you so you won't veer off onto the path that Satan has laid out. It also explains that the 'darkness' can not overshadow/overpower God's light.

Verses 12 and 13 explains that anyone who accepts Jesus Christ are spiritually reborn, which transforms us from what we were (mentally, emotionally, spiritually) to what God wants us to be and we will be welcomed into God's family.

Verse 14 hits on 2 major points: 1) When the "Word became flesh" it meant that Jesus Christ became 3 things: 1. the perfect teacher, not only teaching us but how we should think and teach others 2. the perfect example of how we are to live our lives 3. the perfect sacrifice meaning because He sacrificed his own life He made it possible for God to forgive repentant Christians to have their sins removed and forgotten. 2) The second major point is that Jesus Christ was not just human, He was FULLY human and FULLY divine. We can not only look to Him for spiritual matters and know that He understands those needs, but Jesus can also understand our physical needs/problems...etc. Because He WAS fully human.

Verse 17 says that God uses 2 things when He deals with us, His Laws and His grace. He used Moses to convey His laws (the Ten Commandments), and He used Jesus to show His mercy, his unconditional love and forgiveness.

Learn more about this author, Kris Laurentz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.