John 1:1-18

Read John 1:1-18, and answer the following questions.

1. Who is it that John is calling the Word? Why do you think he is referring to him as the Word?

2. Read verses 1-5 and list everything John says about the Word.

3. What thoughts and/or questions do you have about the Word, having read John's description of him in these five verses?

4. According to verses 6-8, what was the role of John the baptizer? What do you think that means?

5. The Gospel writer, John, also refers to "the Word" as "the light" who had come into the world. What does this description say to you?

6. In verses 9-13, John  says, "the world" did not recognize "the light" and that "his own" did not receive him. Who is John referring to when he says "the world? Who does John have in mind when he refers to "his own?"

7. What is the result for those who did receive (believe in, trust) him? What does this mean?

8. How does John describe "the Word" in verse 14? What is the significance of this description? 

9. In verses 15-18, the name of Jesus is finally mentioned. Who does John say Jesus is and what role did Jesus have in reference to God?

10. What are some different ways people you know, who aren't Christian, describe Jesus? How does the Scripture in this lesson challenge those views?

11. How has your own view of Jesus grown or deepened by reflecting upon the verses in this lesson?

12. Watch the video below and compare how you imagined the verses in this chapter to the how John 1:1-18 is portrayed in this film. Talk about your thoughts and reactions with your group.