The Glory of the Word

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March 11, 2012

Lesson: John 1:1–14

Key Verse: John 1:14

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Introduction

The apostle John, whose Hebrew name is Johanan (Jehovah has been gracious), writes his ‘gospel’ with this purpose: “But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30). John Calvin defines this Gospel as the “glad and delightful message of the grace exhibited to us in Christ, in order to instruct us, by despising the world and its fading riches and pleasures, to desire with our whole heart, and to embrace when offered to us, the invaluable blessing.”

The object of our faith is Christ, not on any man, but on He who is the only Son of God, who took upon Himself our flesh. He alone can give life through His own person. What the Son has done is efficacious, accomplishing in the lives of His people what He has desired, especially the work of redemption upon the cross of Calvary. This Gospel has not only changed lives but nations as well. Our key verse includes this statement, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” This Good news of the coming of our Lord and Savior is for all people to hear. The Gospel is to permeate the halls of Congress as well as the hearts of men. Its saving grace is to shine both in the heart of God’s elect children, and in the tasks and positions that are their chosen professions in Christ. May we behold the glory of Him who is called the Word, “the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

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The Light of Men—John 1:1–5

John’s gospel begins with this statement of truth: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Here is a strong affirmation of the Divinity of Christ Jesus, being equal with the Father and Holy Spirit of the Triune Godhead. Our faith rests squarely upon this truth, thereby bringing certainty to our hearts that the Son of God is the only Savior of mankind. Christ is not only eternal; He is also the Creator, along with the Father and the Spirit: “All things were made by him.” As the Word, Christ is eternally the true expression of God, for He is God. His divinity is confirmed. John does not leave us with any doubt that Christ Jesus, as the Divine Word and Creator, is able to save us, to drive us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Therefore, because of this unity in the Godhead, as Creator and Word, Christ is in and of Himself, “life.” And this life is “the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” This Light is the Breath of Life, which was illustrated in the new life given to the dry bones of Ezekiel’s vision. Though the darkness may seem to swallow up the Light in disobedience and transgression, we must realize that the Light is still at work, the Spirit bringing to life those whose bodies once belonged to the valley of death. As there is no excuse for anyone to remain in darkness, there is also hope for those whose lives belong to the Son.

Contrast this Light with other lights, as the sun to the moon. The word light (gr. phos), is that of the sun, it is light in and of itself. So is Christ. The moon only reflects the sun, and when it is hidden it has no light of its own. So with those in darkness, they may seem to reflect the light of God (are they not also God’s created being?), but they have transgressed and chosen darkness. Only when the true Light enters into their lives can they know Christ and His righteousness. Therefore, we must take heed, that the light which is in us is not darkness (Luke 11:35–36).

Discussion: Who is Christ, as He is revealed to us in God’s Scripture?

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The Will of God—John 1:10–14

We skip to verses 10 through 14 for the purpose of maintaining our thoughts on who Christ is: the Word made flesh. The Word, the very Son of God is not recognized by the world He created. Here is a picture of the worst kind of ingratitude: creation refused to welcome its Creator! However, Christ not only took on the flesh of His creation; He was also the promised seed of Israel. Israel refused to acknowledge their promised Messiah. For the Son of God “came unto his own, and his own received him not.” The whole of creation belongs to the Son of God, but Israel belonged to Him in a unique and special way. The congregations who bear His name belong to Him. “For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:20). Will Isaiah’s judgment be ours today? “The ox knoweth his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib; but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider” (Isa. 1:3).

In contrast to the darkness of transgression and disobedience is the light of faith: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” When one is born of the Holy Spirit, of the will of God, he is given the authority or right to claim membership in the household of God. We assert the right to be called “sons of God,” thereby claiming the privilege of obtaining a treasured inheritance which is eternal; “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:24). We rejoice in precious salvation in Christ: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3–4).

John, along with all the saints in their new life, confesses, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Christ, who is truly God and truly man, is our Savior; who was with the Father before creation, has been sent to be with us, that we might behold the grace, truth, and glory of the Godhead. Christ Jesus reveals Himself “to be Redeemer and Messiah; which is the most striking mark which he ought to be distinguished from all others” (Calvin).

Discussion: How is the will of God revealed both in the life of Christ and man?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2012 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.