In the opening verses of John chapter 1, the author introduces the concept of the Word, which was with God from the very beginning and is, in fact, God himself. Through the Word, all things were created, and nothing exists that wasn't made by him. The Word is described as the source of life, and this life is the light of humanity. The light shines in the darkness, and despite the darkness, it has not overcome it. This imagery sets the stage for the coming of Jesus, the true light who brings clarity and understanding into a dark world.
The passage then shifts to a man named John, who was sent by God to bear witness to the light. John the Baptist’s role was not to be the light himself but to testify about it, preparing the way for the Messiah. John made it clear that although he was not the Christ, his purpose was to point people to the one who would come after him—the one who was greater than he was, even though John’s ministry had begun before Jesus’ public appearance.
John’s testimony about Jesus was significant. When asked who he was by the religious authorities, John clarified that he was not Elijah, nor the Prophet, but simply a voice crying out in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord, as prophesied in the book of Isaiah. He explained his role as a humble servant preparing the hearts of the people for the coming Messiah. John’s humility is evident in his statement that he baptized with water, but the one who was to come after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit. His reference to Jesus as the one who was greater and worthy of honor illustrates the superiority of Christ’s mission and power.
The next day, John sees Jesus approaching and publicly identifies him as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." This declaration reveals Jesus’ sacrificial role in redeeming humanity. John clarifies that although he did not fully understand at the time, the one who would come after him was the Son of God. John recounts how he witnessed the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus like a dove at his baptism, confirming that Jesus was indeed the chosen one. John’s testimony is clear: he has seen the Spirit descend and remain on Jesus, and it is this individual, Jesus, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
The following day, John is once again with two of his disciples when he sees Jesus pass by. He once again identifies Jesus as "the Lamb of God," prompting the disciples to begin following Jesus. When Jesus notices them following, he turns and asks, "What are you looking for?" The disciples, perhaps unsure, inquire where Jesus is staying. Jesus invites them to come and see, and they spend the rest of the day with him. This invitation marks the beginning of the disciples’ personal relationship with Jesus, a theme that will play out throughout the gospel.
One of the two disciples is Andrew, who immediately finds his brother Simon and tells him that they have found the Messiah. Andrew’s enthusiasm and the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah reflect the deep impact Jesus had on those who encountered him. Andrew brings Simon to Jesus, and Jesus immediately renames him Peter, which means "rock," signaling a foundational role in the future work of the church.
The narrative continues with Jesus calling Philip, who, upon following Jesus, finds Nathanael and tells him that they have found the one written about by Moses and the prophets: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Nathanael, skeptical about anything good coming from Nazareth, is invited by Philip to come and see for himself. When Nathanael meets Jesus, Jesus surprises him by revealing that he saw him under the fig tree before Philip called him. This supernatural knowledge leads Nathanael to declare Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel.
Jesus responds to Nathanael’s faith by saying that while he believes because of the knowledge Jesus shared, he will see even greater things. Jesus promises that Nathanael will witness heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. This statement alludes to Jacob’s vision in the Old Testament, drawing a parallel between Jesus and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. By referring to himself as the Son of Man, Jesus also alludes to his humanity and his role as the one who bridges the gap between heaven and earth.
John chapter 1 introduces key themes that will be developed throughout the gospel, such as the identity of Jesus as the Word, the Lamb of God, and the Son of God. It highlights the importance of John the Baptist’s testimony, the calling of the first disciples, and the revelation of Jesus’ divine nature. This chapter establishes the foundation for understanding who Jesus is: the eternal Word, the source of life and light, and the promised Messiah. It also sets the stage for the unfolding story of Jesus’ ministry and his transformative impact on those who believe in him. The emphasis on belief in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God runs throughout the chapter, calling readers to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the Savior of the world who offers eternal life.