The Whole Story

Read This Week: John 1

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-5, 14 NIV

Sometimes you have to tell the whole story to tell a story. We must see the big picture first to understand all the little images that make up the whole. John 1 is that type of scenario. The first chapter of this gospel is the metanarrative of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It is the narrative about all the records, stories, and histories of Jesus seen in the gospel accounts. John establishes the eternality, divinity, and supremacy of Christ immediately in the first three verses to lay the foundation for all we will read about, learn, and know about Jesus’ life. He calls Him the Word (logos) and tells us of His eternal and divine origins:

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made.

This powerful opening explains who Jesus is and establishes the themes and recurring ideas we will see in this book and the rest of the New Testament. We know the nature of God and Jesus, the work of the Father, the revelation of Christ, and how one receives salvation through belief in His name. In the first eighteen verses, we know that God revealed Himself to the world, and his eternal purpose is to bring life to men and women even though their natural response will be to reject Him. But the good news is that God has been made known; even better, we can know Him! 

John’s writing is unique so that the Jews and Gentiles (namely, the Greeks) could understand what he was saying. Therefore, it presents in a manner that we can understand too. We can know in our language the complete picture of Christ. We can understand that Jesus is both God and man. We realize He is part of the Trinity and is eternal, made us, sustains us, and empowers us to see an eternal reality. We can comprehend through John’s gospel that Jesus became human and made his dwelling among us, therefore, being able to sympathize with our pain and temptations all while remaining perfect.   

Because of all these truths and realities about Jesus in John 1, we can read the stories and events that follow with illumination and a clear picture of the true God. We can observe his miracles, acts, relationships, and ministry with discernment and spiritual insight that make them more authentic and impactful. Because of the whole story, we can have a personal relationship with Jesus and, through faith and His grace, receive the gift and blessings of eternal salvation. Knowing the whole story is so important and life-changing.

5 Comments

  1. reachchurch on September 4, 2022 at 12:17 pm

    This Week in the Life: John 1

    For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, then the message, and then the second song.

    1. Sunday Worship: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022-0904-Worship1.wav
    2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022-0904-Message.wav
    3. Sunday Worship: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022-0904-Worship2.wav

    Join the Party Line Live – Schedule: https://reachchurch.org/connect

  2. Heidi on September 5, 2022 at 8:04 am

    John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— 13 who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].

    I love this song because God has chosen us to be His children so when you believe in His name, you trust in Jesus, you rely on Him for everything you become born again, you become a child of God. You don’t have to live in fear.
    We live everyday being transformed, renewed as we (pray) talk to God, listen to Him and then respond to what He is saying, read your bible and fellowship with with other believers, reading your bible and having conversations to help each other grow in the ways of the Lord.

    Thank you Father God for making a way for us to become Your children through Jesus Christ our Savior!
    I love you so much

    I am a Child of God
    You unravel me with a melody
    You surround me with a song
    Of deliverance from my enemies
    Till all my fears are gone

    I’m no longer a slave to fear
    I am a child of God
    I’m no longer a slave to fear
    I am a child of God
    From my mothers womb
    You have chosen me
    Love has called my name
    I’ve been born again, into your family
    Your blood flows through my veins

    I’m no longer a slave to fear
    I am a child of God
    I’m no longer a slave to fear
    I am a child of God

    You split the sea
    So I could walk right through
    My fears were drowned in perfect love
    You rescued me
    And I will stand an sing
    I am a child of God

    I am the child of God (yes I am)
    I am a Child of God
    I am a Child of God (yes I am)
    I am a Child of God
    I am a Child of God
    I am a Child of God

  3. Javaid Ahmed on September 5, 2022 at 5:20 pm

    God focused my attention on John 1 Verses 32:34 in the NIV.

    32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”[f]

    God said to me “The epitome of faith is a grand gesture with full vulnerability. Securities aside and full dedication and trust of heart. The spirit will pick you up and allow you to fly.”

    To me this means that we have an example of a unapologetic pure faithful message through John, where without a shadow of a doubt in his mind, he relays the information and testimony to the leaders. Imagine the pure faith running through his blood where nobody could take even an ion of it away. This is the example of where we strive to be with God and our faith.

    • Alma on September 5, 2022 at 7:14 pm

      This week God gave me a song in John chapter 1

      We believe
      Today is the day today is the day standing praising worshiping to our Lord we are blessed blessed blessed we are children of the Lord children of the Lord trusting believing relying on our Lord we believe in you Jesus Lamb of God who took the sins of the world so we could be set free today is the day today is the day today and every day we are standing with you our Lord trusting believing relying on our Lord amen

      We are so blessed to be a child of God.
      He loves us unconditionally. He’s the first one to forgive us when we ask. Thank you for loving me when even I couldn’t believe in me. Your strength helps me to be a better servant. Thankful, grateful, most of all I’m always hopeful.

  4. Jeri Centers on September 5, 2022 at 7:12 pm

    John 1 verse 12
    I noticed in the scripture. He did not do it for them. They had their own free will. He made it available to them and gave them power to receive it. But they had of their own free will, accept it. And to receive Him who is the word of God means to acknowledge His claims place one’s Faith in Him.

    What that means to me.
    It’s so simple yet so many miss out. He is our Lord and Savior. The belief cannot be surface either. It must truly be in our Hearts. We are children of God. And I am so Proud to be a child of God.

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