1. John 1:1-51 The Testimony of John and the Disciples

2. Essential Question What qualities does the Word share with the Father? How do the disciples witness that Jesus is God?

3. I. John 1:1-18 Read 1-3 Highlight 1:1-18; 1:1; 1:3; 1:4-5 A. The Word possesses several qualities i.Pre-existence/Eternity (1:1-2) ii.Intimate relationship (Son of God) iii.Deity (vv.2-3)

4. B. The Word (vv.1-3): John uses the term “Word” because in the OT it is connected with creation, revelation, and deliverance. i.Creation is associated with the powerful activity to produce Life. ii.Revelation refers to God’s self- disclosure. iii.Salvation: God rescues his people from danger. iv.Wisdom: used to accomplish God’s will with moral rightness.

5. Case Study: Suppose a friend asks whether Jesus was eternal or was a created being. How could you use John 1 to answer the question?

6. II. His forerunner (1:6-8) Read 1:6-8 Highlight 1:7 (1) His ministry comprised of a divine origin, for he was “sent from God…” (2) His assigned task was to “…bear witness about the light…” his commission was to testify like in a courtroom. (3) His purpose was to “…through him all men might believe.”

7. His Rejection (1:9-11) Read 1:9-11 Highlight 1:9 As this light enters the world, there are two responses: The light is rejected. The true, self- disclosure of God to men is either rejected. Or people receive him.

8. III. His Reception (1:12-13) Those who receive him, God provides spiritual life and family, so that spiritual life is not an act of man but God. 1.They possess an inheritance as children. 2.They have a new spiritual family as children 3.They have a new birth by the Spirit. 4.They enter into his new relationship by grace, not merit or works.

9. IV. His deity (1:14-18) Read 1:1-18 Highlight 1:14 Incarnation

10. V. Testimony of John and the Disciples Underline these titles: Read 1:19-28 Day 1: Who are you? “I am not the Christ.” Read 1:29-34; Highlight 1:29 Day 2: “Behold, the Lamb of God” – The Son of God

11. Read 35-42 Highlight 1:39 Day 3: “Behold, the Lamb of God” – “Rabbi” – “We have found the Messiah”

12. Read 1:43-50 Highlight 1:51 Day 4: “We have found him whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote.” Day 4: Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

13. Summary How does the “Word” derives its meaning from the Old Testament?