Week One ~ Readings in John's Gospel

"Who is Jesus?" "Come and See!"

Intro:          John, the beloved disciple of Jesus wrote this Gospel – or good news account of the life of Jesus. He was an eyewitness of all Jesus did during the 3 years of Jesus' ministry on earth. His account is from one who had the closest association with Jesus, and from it we can learn too what it means to have a real and close relationship with the Son of God! So, whether you are about to start reading with a long time knowledge of the Bible, or whether you have never really looked at a Bible before, come with anticipation to find out more about Him who loves us so much. And be prepared to share the joy of your discoveries with each other!

                     Nb: The readings are short this first week, as there is so much to take in, as John sets the scene in Chapter 1 for the rest of the Gospel.

Day 1:  John 1v1-5

                     "In the beginning …" John starts with the same words as the very start of the Bible – look at Genesis 1:1. Whereas 2 of the other gospels start the story of Jesus with him as a baby born in a stable, John begins by showing us a Jesus Who is Eternal God and Creator of all. This is a main theme of this Gospel – Jesus – God – Eternal life.

                     Who is this "Word"? It is Jesus Christ Himself. Check this out by looking at verse 14 in this same chapter.

                     Think about all the facets of Jesus, described here. What does it mean to you that darkness cannot blot out the His light in your life?

Day 2:    John 1:6-13

              A second John comes into the picture. This is John the Baptist – and not the John who is writing this account. John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus' work on this earth. What do verses 6-8 tell us about him? Verse 9 then continues to tell us about the One to whom John was bearing witness.

                     What 2 types of people are described here and their response to Jesus? What are the 2 qualifications for becoming children of God? Read v12. Right from the start John shows us that it is not by good works or religious actions that we get accepted by God.

Day 3:    John 1:14-18

              Here is the wonder that "the Word became flesh". A hint to what it meant for God to live as a man among us is the word "grace". How many times is that mentioned in these 5 verses? Grace means undeserved blessing and favour! Lavished upon us in all God's fullness and generosity! Up until now the Jews knew only the law and endless sacrifices to save them from their sins, but now grace had come into the world together with the truth of God's Word expressed in the person of Jesus. Think about how Jesus could demonstrate and show us the character of God? See verse 18.

Day 4:    John 1:19-28

              The religious people come to try and trap John with their questions.  They are also questioning his authority to preach and to baptise people. John's baptism was to signify a turning away from selfish sinful lives to follow God. But he freely admits there is One much greater than he, whom these religious leaders do not yet know. They are in for a shock, as we will see.  Think about any religious preconceptions you may have, that may have blocked you from seeing Jesus clearly and getting to know Him.

Day 5:    John 1:29-34

              "This is HE!" Look at the two powerful statements about Jesus in verses 29 and 34. Think about how radical this news was as this unknown Jesus stepped into the public arena! Even John the Baptist had not known before this time that this man, Jesus, one of his own relatives, was the One he was preaching about. God confirmed it with a sign at His baptism. What was that sign? Find two important things that Jesus came to do for His people. And that includes us!

Day 6:    John 1:35-42

              John the Baptist announces to his disciples again "This is the Lamb of God!" What was the outcome for 2 of those disciples? see verse 37. This is the only response needed when we hear and believe – we turn and follow JESUS! What does Jesus ask them? Verse 38. See their answer – they want to know where Jesus is staying. He answers "Come and see!" What does this invitation mean for you?  What is your heart seeking for?

Day 7:    John 1:43-51

              Jesus found Philip! This reminds me that we were lost until HE found us! Then what does Jesus say? Philip's response is to immediately go and get a friend! "Come and see" he says! When Jesus tells Nathanael He has already seen him and knows his heart, he gives that amazing declaration in verse 49. As we discover more about Jesus, He will always have more of Himself and of His glory and wonders to show us!

Summary of Week 1:

              JESUS : the Word, The fullness of God expressed to man

                        Creator   Light   Life 

      Lamb of God – Saviour of the world

                      Baptiser in the Holy Spirit

                                    Son of God

Full of grace and truth

Some received Him and told others

Many rejected Him and the truth He brought.

The message: Believe and receive Him, 
       and you will become a child of God your Father.
Come and see where He lives and experience more of the the life God has for you, as together we continue in reading John's Gospel.