Journaling Through John in July: John Chapter 1

Who do you say I am?

Read: John chapter 1 and Genesis 1.

The Word. The light. The Word became flesh. The only begotten from the Father. The way of the LORD. The One whom you do not know . . . who is among you. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit. The Son of God. Rabbi (teacher). Messiah (Christ). Him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote. The King of Israel.

Look at all the things said about Jesus in just chapter one! Amazing! This is not a complete list, just a beginning. Later in the Gospels, the disciples are recounting all the things the people had said about Jesus, so He asks them, “But who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:20, Matthew 16:13, Mark 8:27).

The answer to that question shapes our life. It is the foundation on which we build. If we believe Jesus was a good man and a good teacher, then we will listen to some of what He says, especially when life is difficult and answers are needed. Of course, we may dismiss other lessons from Jesus if they don’t align with our core beliefs or the direction we desire to go. We will pick and choose his teachings if we think he is simply a good teacher.

If we see Jesus as savior, we will ask for His forgiveness and be thankful for what salvation offers. But, if He is only our savior, then our lives will look a lot like the world with a little bit of thankfulness sprinkled on top. We can know Jesus is the Son of God, but if we’ve never read the scriptures and contemplated who God is, then our thoughts will be shallow and simple.

John introduces his book with many facets of the character of Jesus. There are many more. Like a single cut crystal that casts many little rainbows when the sun shines through, we can see each one of the characteristics of Jesus as the scriptures unfold. In fact, Psalm 119:130 tells us this: “The unfolding of your word gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” John calls Jesus “the Word” in chapter one. As we literally unfold the pages of scripture to watch how the revelation of Jesus unfolds, we will see more and more of who Jesus is. More than teacher. More than savior.

“But who do you say that I am?” That question is directed specifically to you. Are you willing to unfold the scriptures, stand in the Light, and answer it?

Questions/Responses:

How do verses 1-5 and verse 14 tie into creation? What does this reveal about Jesus?

Verse 18 tells us that Jesus, the begotten, has explained God, the Father. What have you learned about God the Father from chapter one?

Where do you see Jesus responding individually to people? What do his individual responses reveal about Jesus? Who do you say Jesus is? Where do you feel your understanding is lacking?

Take some time to pray about what you've learned and what you want to learn.