John 1: Group Study Handout

Overview

In the beginning, the Word was both with God and was God, forming all creation (vv. 1-5). John the Baptist, sent from God, testified about the light so that others might believe. Though many did not receive the light, those who did became God’s children (vv. 6-13). The Word became flesh and dwelled among people, presenting Himself as full of grace and truth, which is affirmed by John’s testimony (vv. 14-18). John the Baptist declared that Jesus was 'the Lamb of God' and provided evidence of the Spirit descending upon Him, identifying Jesus as the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (vv. 19-34). Disciples began to follow Jesus, including Andrew and Simon Peter, as they recognized Him as the Messiah through personal testimony and encounters (vv. 35-51).

Key verse

“The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14 (WEB)

Outline

1. John 1:1–5 The Word's Pre-existence and Nature
2. John 1:6–13 The Role of John the Baptist
3. John 1:14–18 The Incarnation of the Word
4. John 1:19–34 John's Testimony About Jesus
5. John 1:35–51 Disciples Follow Jesus

Discussion questions

1. In v9, what is meant by 'the true light that enlightens everyone'?
2. What does John declare about himself in v23 when asked who he is?
3. The phrase 'grace upon grace' in v16: how does it relate to the law given through Moses?
4. In v11, why do 'his own' not receive the one who came to them?
5. When have you felt a like Nathanael, questioning if anything good could come from a place?

Go deeper

Passages that echo John 1: John 3, Genesis 1, Colossians 1.

Before next time: read John 2.