Christmas as the light shining in the darkness. This is Christmas preaching. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] A critical part of the gospel is the fact that Jesus was truly, fully, physically human. Third, John 17:3 must be examined in the light of the totality of scripture. Professor and the Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching, A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary, The text from Second Isaiah follows closely on Christmas Eve’s reading from First Isaiah though historically they are situated far apart.1, The Christmas season always seems like a time to sing the good old songs.1, Many religious and ethnic communities have intricate celebrations for the declaration of a new family member’s name.1. John begins like this: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. This is the not first time God has “gotten involved” in human history, of course. 1. Now that we have seen the correct translation of the verse of John 1:1, let us go a little further in our study of the intended meaning of this verse. Answer: The term word is used in different ways in the Bible. How can the eternal become temporal? John 1:1 is the first verse in the opening chapter of the Gospel of John.In the Douay–Rheims, King James, Revised Standard, New International, and other versions of the Bible, the verse reads: . Verse Thoughts The apostle John lays out some important historical and doctrinal truths in the first section of his gospel - so that we may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God - so that by believing, we may have life in His name. He [this Word is a person] was in the beginning with God. To ‘have’ commandments is an unusual expression and does not seem to be exactly paralleled (though cf. John 1:14 is one of the most wonderful and yet unfathomable verses in the Bible! This is the gift of Christmas, and it deserves our full attention on this day and, indeed, throughout the year. After all, think of the chutzpah it takes to begin your gospel by repeating the opening line of Scripture itself! Chapters 18 and 19 deal with the crucifixion and chapters 20 and 21 with the resurrection and resurrection appearances. Why, then, this particular reading as an option for Christmas Day? Once the Word becomes flesh, grace is then incarnated in the rest of the Gospel. John 1:18 states that Jesus is the Father’s “only begotten Son,” and μονογενης (monogenes), the original Greek word translated “only begotten,” literally means “one of a kind” - i.e., “unique” or “incomparable” - and NOT that God the Father existed before Jesus. CHAPTER 1. However, John tells us that the story of Jesus goes back a long time before Jesus' birth as a human. How can God, who is spirit, become human flesh? Because it captures the heart, meaning, and benefits of the Christmas story in … Continue reading "Commentary on John 1:1-14" 46 d I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. To determine the time frame I began by seeking to understand the meaning of the Greek word translated as … Chapters 13-17 focus in on the last few hours of Jesus with his disciples. And so God comes prepared to struggle, light against darkness, day against night. This is the gift of Christmas, a new identity, a new opportunity, a new humanity, all through God in Christ. To be a child of God is a literal claim for the Fourth Gospel. D. John 1:1-14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was. The dwelling of God is a deeply intimate, personal claim and assumes God’s commitment to and continuity with God’s people. Or, better, who is affected by this? Perhaps this is why John gives such scant attention to the details of Jesus’ birth. The "Word" here is the Greek term Logos, indicating the entirety of a message, akin to a concept or an idea. Moreover, in the Word made flesh and dwelling among us, now God not only goes where God’s people go, but is who they are. Why? Originally Answered: What do John 1:1,14 mean when they declare that Jesus is the Word of God? Not just in a manger long ago, but here, today, now! Answer: The answer to this question is found by first understanding the reason why John wrote his gospel. John 8:32 (For a more thorough explanation of the function and use of the Greek article (and meaning of its absence), see ‘Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics’, by Daniel Wallace . A great deal has been written about John's use of logos here, but essentially, in verse 1 John is saying that Jesus in the flesh is the very Expression of God Himself, and that this Jesus IS God himself -- a very bold statement indeed to begin John's Gospel. But John was not teaching modalism. From 1:19 to almost the end of chapter 12 the public ministry of Jesus is the focus of attention. However, though those main sections ar… The very best person to ask to explain what is meant by a given statement is the author of that statement himself. John 2:11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome [] it What does John 1:1 mean? Perhaps, in this regard, a short sermon is best, surrounded by the carols of Christmas that give voice, as John does, to the mystery and grace of God’s revelation. Verse 5 has been a topic of ongoing debate for Johannine scholars with regard to pinpointing the moment of the incarnation, either here or in John 1:14, “the Word became flesh.” The fact that the incarnation of God is first presented as light shining in darkness evokes the creation story in Genesis. We might therefore take a clue from John not only about what to preach on Christmas day, but also how. Note the freedom John imbues this invitation with: Children born not of blood (we will not be subject to the frailties of human flesh forever), or of the will of the flesh (we are more than our desires), or of the will of humans (we will not always be subject to whim and will of others). John 1:1-14.THE WORD MADE FLESH. 1. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. The Word Became Flesh. One of these errors is that idea that Jesus was only a mirage, or an illusion. John 1:18 – The only begotten God = “The Only Begotten Magistrate” (Monogeneés Theós) John 1:1 “At first … En archeé . The verb “overcome” can be translated “grasp” or “seize,” and has connotations of “comprehending.” Festivals of light are essential in the darkest days of the year and so Christmas originated as a celebration that could rival Saturnalia (See Forbes, Christmas: A Candid History). God. How can the man, Jesus, whom John saw, also be the eternal Creator of the universe? The next verses (1:2-4) secure Jesus’ role as creator with God. Goodness, he doesn’t appear even to know the name of Jesus’ mother! A preacher might explore the importance of light, for Christmas, for our lives. ANSWER: John 1:1 read: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." A preacher could focus on any of the themes outlined below to create a meaningful Christmas sermon. And the Word, &c. — And in order to raise us, sinful creatures, to this dignity and happiness, the Divine and Eternal Word, by a most amazing condescension; was made flesh — That is, united himself to our inferior and miserable nature, with all its innocent infirmities. John 1:14 does not contain the word "son" Even so, the word "son" in John 1:14 was inserted by sectarian translators long after the original Gospel of John was penned. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. What is John doing here anyway? A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. What does John 1:1,14 mean when it says that Jesus is the Word of God? If you turn on a light in a dark room, the darkness loses and the light prevails. God has been reborn into the world, now as God’s creating Word in the flesh. John knows he is playing for high stakes. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. “In the beginning” should stir up biblical resonances, particularly that what follows will have something to do with creation. But in spite of the incomprehensible mystery, this is what the Bible declares. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:14 says, "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." Singing Praise to the Word John may not know much about the details of the Christmas story, but he does know about the heart and soul of the Incarnation: that because Jesus, the very embodiment of God’s grace (verse 16) takes on human flesh we are granted the chance to know the unknowable God (verse 18) and recognize ourselves as those children beloved of God. Comments vs 1-4 John first expresses his affection for Gaius in view of his spiritual maturity.In view of the fact that John identifies him as one of his children, it is possible that he lead him to Christ. In this verse, John is communicating that Jesus (the Word) is the entire message, the complete message, God wanted to send to earth. While the NRSV translates the verse, “and lived among us” the verb here is skenoo, “to tent” or “to tabernacle.” Most readers of the Gospel of John will be familiar with the translation “and dwelt among us.” The verb can also be translated, “took up residence” and thus Peterson’s The Message, “moved into the neighborhood.”. By giving God, the Son, the title “Word”, the scriptures are conveying the truth that Jesus is the very speech of God—he is the Wisdom and Will of God, and he is the image of … From all appearances, it would seem that John knows next to nothing about angels or shepherds, stars or magi. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. What does John 1:1 mean? How can the immortal die as the substitute for our sins? This passage is packed with meaning and metaphor, and perhaps can best be understood less as doctrine and more as poetic testimony to the light, life, and living Word of God. (22-24) Answering the question of Judas (not Iscariot). While John 1:1-14 is the appointed Gospel lesson for Christmas Day (Proper III), I prefer to preach on the first 18 verses.1. We find his purpose clearly stated in John 20:30-31. All of us, as new creation means new possibility for everyone! Jesus, according to John, has been a part of creation from the very beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing. That struggle is captured in the future perfect of John’s grammatical construction, rendering verse 5: “The light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”. This agrees with John the Baptist's words in John 1:15, Christ's own words in John 3:13, and Paul's words in Colossians 1:17. 1. What occurs now is that God’s eternal Word — God’s Reason, Order, and very Being — is coming down to earth to take on human flesh. Who? The first verse of John 1 is deceptively complex. From all appearances, it would seem that John knows next to nothing about angels or shepherds, stars or magi. 1:8. 1 John 4:21). was the Word--He who is to God what man's word is to himself, the manifestation or expression of himself to those without him. In the New Testament, there are two Greek words translated "word": rhema and logos.They have slightly different meanings. He was with God in the beginning. Christmas is not over when the trees are put out to the curb. The Prologue to John’s Gospel is John’s birth story of Jesus. But perhaps not, for Paul mentions in 1Cor 1:14 of baptizing a man called Gaius.Perhaps John played a major role in discipling the man. That is, what’s happening? Light; Let's look at John 1:4 again. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] The first verse of John establishes several important facts, and introduces an important term. So, it seems that by the Greek grammatical structure in this statement, John is indicating that the Word (Jesus Christ - John 1:14) is the same essence and nature as God the Father. John takes the same approach. Exploring the Story To get at the significance of John’s poetic witness to the Word, we might be well served by employing some of the questions of journalism, sometimes known as the “five W’s.”. “From his fullness” (John 1:16) has the sense of the “sum total,” “complete,” and can also connote “superabundance.” The word “grace” is used only four times in the Gospel of John (1:14, 16, 17) and only in the Prologue. John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. It refers to … was made that has been made. How can the unchangeable God take on a human body, subject to change? God has been at work in the world through covenant, law, judges, kings, and prophets. In the beginning--of all time and created existence, for this Word gave it being ( John 1:3 John 1:10); therefore, "before the world was" ( John 17:5 John 17:24); or, from all eternity. Commentators explain away John’s presence as a later interpolation that does not belong in such a majestic narration of Jesus’ origins and identity. John’s prologue is, in many ways, a hymn to the Word, the Word that created in the beginning, created again in Jesus, and still creates when anyone receives Jesus in faith. John is really saying, “Let’s explore the meaning of Christmas.”. This primordial Word, which was in the beginning with God, a partner in creation, in relationship with God and who is God, has now become human. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. While John 1:1-14 is the appointed Gospel lesson for Christmas Day (Proper III), I prefer to preach on the first 18 verses. John could have put an article in front of God, the verse could have been rendered, ‘God was the Word.’ Thus rendering God and Word interchangeable, hence, teaching modalism. In particular, carols like “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” “Love Came Down at Christmas,” “Cold December Flies Away,” and “Lo, How a Rose is Blooming” can accompany some of the more familiar Christmas carols and accent our reflection on all that God has accomplished through Christ. This verse was taken from the "Gospel of John." Verse Thoughts As members of the human race we have to be born into the human family. Christmas is Jesus as a child and is who we are. What does John 1:14 mean? Because the world that has fallen into darkness needs light! John 1:14. 2 He was with God in the beginning() 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made() 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. It can mean to comprehend or grasp mentally, or it can mean to overcome or take hold of something in the sense of mastering it physically. John begins the story of Jesus at the beginning of our time. The themes we have come to know for Christmas preaching are certainly present in how John begins his gospel. Last night’s Old Testament lesson came from First Isaiah (chapters 1-39) that covers roughly the 40-year period of the latter half of the Eighth century. That is, the entirety of the Gospel will show what grace looks like, tastes like, smells like, sounds like, and feels like. As the angel explained to Mary (Luke 1:35), “… The gospel begins with an eighteen-verse introduction that is usually called the prologue. If it refers to creation, then John’s meaning is that when God said, “Let there be light,” it overcame the darkness. Christ is the Logos, the definition, the meaning, the "Word" of God. The large building blocks John used for the construction of his gospel are fairly easy to identify. Another verse in this prologue to the Gospel makes a similarly bold statement of Jesus' full divinity, which we'll discuss in due course. John 1:9-13 suggest that just as Jesus is a child of God, so are we. Because it captures the heart, meaning, and benefits of the Christmas story in a nutshell. The themes we have come to know for Christmas preaching are certainly present in how John begins his gospel. We had to have a literal physical birth, into a literal physical world if we are to become literal, physical descendants of Adam, who was the first literal physical man. According to John, that is, Christmas is not really Jesus’ birthday at all; rather, it is ours. There is no word within the original Greek verse that can be translated to "son." 45 And b whoever c sees me sees him who sent me. John has used two words to describe Jesus: Word and light. Furthermore, God has chosen to recreate God’s very self in Jesus. The threefold claim, “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” reveals the origin of Jesus, his relationship with God, and his identity as God. However you choose to celebrate this day and preach this passage, however, know that Christ came for you, for you and all of us, that we might have life…and have it abundantly. The Letter to Titus gives us none of Christmas’s usual fare. The Prologue to John’s Gospel is John’s birth story of Jesus. We see that Jesus is called God in John 1:1, 14; 8:58; 20:28; Col. 2:9; and Heb. This Gospel imagines that every single aspect of the parent–child relationship is operative in our relationship with God. 44 And Jesus cried out and said, z “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but a in him who sent me. He is, ultimately more interested in our birth, our new birth as children of God. This is the first of John's seven names for Jesus: "The Word." Blessed Christmas. Even though many, including many who were close to him, did not recognize in Jesus what God was accomplishing, all those who do recognize and receive him are invited to become God’s own children. Why, then, this particular reading as an option for Christmas Day? Question: "What does it mean that the Word became flesh (John 1:14)?" The meaning appears to be to make the commandments one’s own, to take them into one’s inner being.” (Morris) 4. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Where and when? The introduction of John in the next verses, not the Baptist but the Witness, is a rather strange interlude in this cosmic birth story. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Therefore, John 17:3 cannot be interpreted in a way that disagrees with other scriptures. Rather, we are children of God, restored to God’s intention in creation. This verse does not say, “In the beginning was Jesus.” “The Word” is not synonymous with Jesus, or even “the Messiah.” The word logos in John 1:1 refers to God’s creative self-expression—His reason, purposes and plans, especially as they are brought into action. For John, God in becoming flesh in Jesus has committed God’s self not only to revealing what God’s grace looks like, but that God wants to know it and feel it as well. Goodness, he doesn’t appear even to know the name of Jesus’ mother! Everything a child needs from a parent, for survival, protection, to be sustained and nurtured, to grow and mature is what God provides. That is, given the “high mass” feel of many of our Christmas Eve services, we have an opportunity today to contemplate more quietly the profound mystery of the Incarnation, the doctrine at the heart of Christmas and to which John gives poetic witness. It is also featured in the new ebook, “Preaching Year A with Anna Carter Florence,” which is available for download from Luther Seminary. He begins it with our birth - the birth of humans. Jesus is referred to as "The Word," from the Greek word logos. “The Word became flesh” states most clearly the theological promise of John. Jesus as a baby cannot devolve into sentimentality but has everything to do with its promise for us. What? This commentary was adapted from one first published on this site on Jan. 4, 2015. John 1:1 means that, unlike all other mortals, whose life begins when semen fertilizes an egg, Jesus lived before His conception by the Holy Spirit in Mary's womb. Christmas is just getting started for those who confess Jesus as God who has become flesh. John 1:1 – Was the Word = “the news spread” (eén ho lógos) 3. Question: "What do John 1:1,14 mean when they declare that Jesus is the Word of God?" Imagine Psalm 97 as the psalmist’s Christmas sermon. AN Irish trawler was barred from fishing in UK waters by a patrol boat in the first post-Brexit fishing clash. Yet now God is getting more personally involved, as the very Word of God takes on human flesh and dwells — literally, “tabernacles” — with us in our own human form. 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