Discussion questions on John 1:1-18 This material owes much to Phil, Daniel, and Tim.
Note: In retrospect I think the questions below were too open-ended, and also could have used more introductory comment than just reading the text aloud.
Framing statements and questions
The text’s burden is to portray Jesus Christ: his person, work, and glory.
John’s express purpose (20:31): “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.”
Application is to provoke greater worship and faith. Love for Christ is fueled by greater understanding of Him.
Is it your experience that knowledge and understanding fuel love?
What things have contributed to your knowledge of Jesus over the years?
Is your knowledge of Jesus increasing now?
Is your love for Jesus increasing now?
What are these verses communicating?
Jesus is the divine Word, or Speech. He is the very self-expression of the Father.
When we look to the OT, what are some examples of God’s speaking, and what can we learn about Jesus from that?
The word is active and powerful.
The word expresses God’s nature, desire, and will to man.
Piper contrasts the Word with “the deed”, “thought”, or “feeling”.
Jesus is eternal.
Jesus is God.
Through Jesus God created everything.
Jesus is not only creator, but infallible source of spiritual life and light to those who are dead and blind.
How are we to respond in worship to these verses?
Jesus is awesome and mighty; he is God!
Jesus is majestic and transcendent and holy.
Jesus is our gracious giver of life and light.
How are we to respond in faith to these verses?
Trust in a mighty creator God.
Trust in a savior who gives us life.
What are these verses communicating?
God sent John to bear witness of Jesus.
Jesus entered the world; the word became flesh.
Why did Jesus have to become man?
Jesus was rejected by his own creation, but made it possible for some of his creation to be adopted children of God.
How are we to respond in worship to these verses?
Jesus is the worthy king and lord of all creation.
God condescended to reveal himself to us!
Our adoption is secured not by the will of man but by the will of God!
Jesus gave up the privileges of his throne to dwell among us.
Our lord and creator gave his own body for our sake — while we had rejected Him!
How are we to respond in faith to these verses?
Exercise faith in our glorious savior who secures our adoption.
What are these verses communicating?
Jesus was God in the flesh; dwelling, “tabernacled” among us.
Jesus revealed the Father’s glory and “made him known”.
Jesus brought grace and truth, having fulfilled the law.
Jesus gives grace upon grace.
How does the grace we receive through Jesus surpass the grace available through the law?
We have a guarantee rather than a promise; our faith is grounded in the finished work of Jesus.
There is no need for continual sacrifice; Jesus died once for all (Romans 6:10; 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 7:27, 9:12).
What are some of the abundant provisions of grace available to us in Jesus? Phil mentioned common, saving, sustaining, sanctifying (transforming), persevering, and eternal grace.
How are we to respond in worship to these verses?
Jesus reveals the truth of God and the glory of God to us who cannot know or see God.
Respond in gratefulness for the provision of grace through Jesus.
How are we to respond in faith to these verses?
Trust and hope in a God who gives abundant grace.
We need no longer fear the condemnation of the law, because Jesus fulfilled the law.