John Chapter 1 – The Word & the Voice
In the beginning was the Word, who was God Himself.
When the Word came into the world, there was a voice going before Him (v23).
The Word created the world. The voice bore witness to the Word.
“Let there be light” was the very first creative word, and light came forth, shining in the darkness, and the darkness could not overcome it. In fact, the Word was Himself the very light, the true light that gives life to men, and God kept darkness at bay (vv4-9 with Gen 1:2-4)
The Glorious Word
No one has seen God at any time, for He dwells in unapproachable light (1 Tim 6:16). What a marvellously bright spot it was in human history when the Word became flesh and made His abode with men! Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, the King of Israel (v14, 45-49) embodied the divine glory and became part of humanity, so we could see with our eyes and handle with our hands the Word of life (1 Jn 1:1).
Blessed are those who recognise Him, incarnate Deity, for they behold His glory and receive grace and truth, especially the right to become children of God (v12-17).
These are the ones who receive with meekness the implanted word (Js 1:21) and are born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the same word of God (1 Pet 1:23)
The Effective Witness
The law given through Moses pointed to Jesus (v17,45) and presently John was the voice bearing Him witness (v6-7,23). His witness effectively channelled to Jesus true-hearted souls and others in connection with them:
- Andrew whom Jesus allowed to remain with Him where he stayed (v39-40)
- Simon who was expecting the Messiah from whom he received the name Peter (v41-42)
- Philip who responded readily to the call to follow Jesus and told his friend about Him (v.43-45)
- Nathanael the guileless true Israelite (v47)
Even many years after his death, John’s witness continued to make straight the path for men to come to Christ (Acts 18:24-19:7).