John 1

Introduction

John begins his gospel telling us that the Word was with God, in verse 14 he describes the Word; the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus is the living Word, the Son of God, this is the theme of his gospel. The gospel of John is unique from the other three gospels. It was written later and contains many stories and words of Jesus that the others did not mention.

Matthew described Jesus as the Messiah and king.
Mark showed us Jesus as a servant.
Luke showed us Jesus as from Adam, the perfect man.
Jesus is not just a perfect man, or a servant or Messiah and king, he is the Son of God, the only begotten Son from the Father in heaven. How can this be, how can a man be God? Jesus himself referred to himself as the son of man. This was to identify himself as the fulfillment of the prophecies of a savior coming through the Jewish people. He was a son of Abraham and a son of David, the one who would inherit the throne of David forever, only God is forever. He kept his identity unknown but to the few that the Father revealed him to. For many would seek to kill someone who said they were the son of God. The religious leaders saw his miracles and good works. For envy they would seek to kill him.

His ultimate purpose as a son of man was to shed his blood for our sins. The Son of God had no sin. He arose from the grave and proved he was God by taking his life up again, the first of a new creation, God and man. We who believe in Jesus the Son of God, are changed by God's power into new creations. This study of John is to show you how you can be changed and be made new creations, with your sins forgiven and your shame removed.

The gospel of John is full of truths for witnessing to others how to become a son or daughter of God, through faith in His Son, Jesus our savior from our sins.

The Word became flesh

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

In the beginning, just as Genesis begins. In the very beginning before all creation, was the Word. The Greek word used her is:Logos, a word uttered by a living voice, a living word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. God is Spirit.

John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.

The same, the Word was in the beginning with God.

John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

All things were made by him, the Word; and without him was not anything made that was. Verse 14 says the word became flesh, Jesus came among us. In the epistle to the Hebrews, Jesus is described as the creator of all things. Jesus is the living Word.

Heb 1:2 (God) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

The Word who made the worlds by speaking, also came as a man speaking the very word of God, Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. The Spirit of God came into a man, Christ Jesus.

Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

In Jesus the Word was life; he spoke life into existance and he spoke to us the word of life. John wrote of the word of life being Jesus, who he knew personally, in the book of 1John.

1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning , which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
1 John 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Gen 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

The living word was the light of truth, but men refused the truth.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
John 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

This was not the Apostle John, but it was John the Baptist, the prophet that was to come with the message of repentance. Warning all men to turn from their sins and to prepare themselves for the one who would come, the Messiah who has power to take away their sins. He was the first witness of Jesus, even having never seen him. He was a witness chosen by God for that purpose. He was a prophet hearing from God the words to say. A witness must be chosen of God, or they are false witnesses. Jesus spoke highly of John.

Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

John was as great as any under the law, the law cannot save from sins, but the kingdom of heaven would be received through faith in the finished work of Jesus.

John 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

He was a witness of the light, Jesus was coming, prepare to meet the Son of God.

John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Jesus is the true light, the truth for every person, whosoever would believe in him.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

God, the Word came into the world that he made, and most did not know who he was. His purpose and identity was a mystery until he accomplished his purpose: to be the way for us to be forgiven of sins and to be made spirit creations of God.

John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

He came unto God's chosen people, the Jews, by which came the law and the prophets of God which pointed to the coming of their savior. He was a son of David through the flesh of Mary, and legally through his earthly father, Joseph. But, his own did not receive him. Most rejected him.

John 1:12 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:

But to those who received him through faith, even in his name, he gave them power, the Holy Spirit power, they became the sons of God. Flesh and blood cannot inherit eternal life. Jesus came to save our souls, uniting God's spirit with us, making us new spirit beings and giving us everlasting life with him.

1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Our new birth into everlasting life was not by blood relationship, as a Jewish person. It was not by our own fleshly will or works that we are made new. It was not by the will of man, a parent or a teacher cannot make you a new person in Jesus. It is of God, God has willed that you come to him. He has arranged for Jesus to come and provide the way. He has given us His Spirit to make the new birth complete, it is by the power of God that we are born into the kingdom of God.

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

John 1:14 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.

The Word became flesh, Jesus came unto his own, and dwelt among his people, and they beheld his glory, his character and all that he was. The glory that no other human has ever known, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father. Begotten, after the nature of the Father, God the Son with the characteristics of God the Father. Full of grace and truth. God's grace to be given to us and to be used for his good purposes. The truth of God, the knowledge and wisdom of God who knows all things and has made all things. Who better knows the truth of a creation and how it is to be, then the creator? We see the outward form of the man Jesus in our minds, but he was always with God as the Word. God is Spirit, the Word was Spirit. The intelligent thoughts of the Living , loving all wise God. The Word came into a human born of a virgin conceived by God's Spirit. The Spirit of God in a man, the man Jesus. Separate from God but one with Him. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. All are the God who is one Spirit in three revealed purposes. The Trinity, the Triune God, translated Elohim, in the Hebrew.

Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

When did Jesus receive the Word? The Word became flesh, so at conception Jesus was the very God who created the worlds. What of the Baptism of John when the Holy Spirit descended upon him, was that the first receiving of God's Spirit? No, because God is Spirit. His Word, came into a man: Jesus. The second person of the Godhead was the Word become flesh, Jesus. He is God the Son. At the Baptism all three figures of the Godhead were present confirming and witnessing to who Jesus was. The Holy Word of God in man. Jesus the anointed of God.

John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Mat 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Mat 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

The record shows that Elisabeth, the mother of John, was six months pregnant when Mary came to her with the news that she was with child. John's earthly birth was before Jesus, yet John knew Jesus was the eternal Son of God who existed from before creation; the Word of God.

The angel Gabriel spoke to Mary.

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Jesus the holy thing brought by the power of the Holy Ghost, God's Holy Spirit. God the Son born a baby from a virgin.

Luke 1:36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

All, who saw Jesus, saw the fulness of God; his Word and his creative miracles, and all that believed on him (vs 12) became as he is, a son of God. We are earthly born, becoming as he is through his grace, by the transforming power of God's Holy Spirit. We became spirit born creations of God.

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

and grace for grace

It is God's grace that we receive through faith.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

All that we are or shall do for God is through His grace, the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Grace for our grace, the fulness of grace in Jesus given to us for salvation and for service.

2 Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2 Cor 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

The law of Moses pointed out what was good and what was sin to God. The law gave us the knowledge of our sins. The result of sin was separation from God and death. The law could not save anyone from sins, for no one could keep all the law, only Jesus. The letter of the law kills.

2 Cor 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Jesus fulfilled the law, and shed his blood for our sins. We receive unearned grace and we receive His Spirit of truth. The Spirit is our new life in Christ.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Jesus the Word, speaking the words of his Father. Obeying the will of His Father, to bring us into the Father's kingdom. This is the work of Jesus, the Living Word of God.

Jesus and John

John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
John 1:20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

John makes the record clear from the beginning, he was not the Christ. His calling was to make a way for the one to come, the Christ or Messiah.

The Christ or anointed, the Greek word for Messiah. The Hebrews were expecting an anointed Prophet, Priest and King, from God through the lineage of King David. They were not expecting God himself to come in the anointed Messiah. Jesus is the God-man, the deliverer and saviour of the people. John was sent to prepare the hearts of the people to receive him.

John 1:21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

John answered no, yet in spirit he was as Elijah. The people of the law did not easily understand spiritual things.

Mal 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
Mal 4:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Even Jesus acknowledged that John was as Elijah, Elias in the Greek translation.

Mat 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
Mat 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
Mat 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 9:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
Mark 9:13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

John 1:22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
John 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

Isa 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Isa 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Isa 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

John 1:24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
John 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

By what authority do you baptize?

Mat 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Mat 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Later, the Pharisees would try to trick Jesus asking him by what authority he did his miracles.

Mat 21:24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Mat 21:25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
Mat 21:26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
Mat 21:27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

John was a prophet sent from God to proclaim a simple message of repentance and to point out the Messiah. These things would be from God.

John 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
John 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
John 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Water cleansing was part of the ceremonial law, but complete immersion done only to the Gentiles, the non Jewish people. John was calling all into repentance, all of the Hebrews. This baptism would not remove sins.

John considered himself unworthy of even the lowly service of removing the sandal of the Messiah. The lowest servant was assigned to remove sandals and to wash the feet. Because of the superior standing of the Messiah, John felt unworthy even to do this. And yet we shall see Jesus making himself a servant of all, even washing the feet of his disciples.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

John points out the Messiah through the Spirit of prophecy, he had never seen him before. Not only does he announce the Messiah, but he describes why he came. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.

There are foolish people who say there is no judgment for sins for all people, because Jesus took away the sins of the world. It's not that simple. Each must be drawn by the Father to receive the free gift by faith. If a man has not received Jesus, his sins remain.

John 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Jesus came after John in the flesh, John being six months older. Yet, John through the Spirit of God speaks that Jesus was before him. Jesus the eternal Word of God was before creation.

John 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Twice he said "I knew him not" He witnessed through the Holy Spirit and prophecy. Jesus was revealed to John through the Holy Spirit. We witness also, by the Holy Spirit and the word.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The baptism of Jesus brought the witness of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Mat 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Mat 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Mat 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

The witness of the Holy Spirit

Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The witness of God the Father

Jesus showed us the way a man should go yet, he being God the Son had the fulness of God, though restrained by His own will. The fulness of God was present, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. He chose to obey God rather than act apart from him. He was our example of the perfect human. We also as men and women choose to obey Jesus Christ and not our own will.

Two witnesses under the law were required to confirm something. The Father, The Holy Spirit and John were witnesses to the ministry and purpose of Jesus.

John 1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

John was sent to be a witness. He baptized with water, and saw the witness of God confirming Jesus as Messiah. His baptism would not remove sins, it was for repentance. Jesus removes our sins and baptizes us with the Holy Ghost. John showed Jesus to the world, Jesus showed God's grace and was the Messiah, the savior and the Son of God from heaven, who removes our sins.

Disciples Chosen

John 1:35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
John 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

The Spirit of God once again had John speak of Jesus, as the Lamb. As the Passover Lamb whose blood saved his people from the punishment of sin and death. The Lamb, a sacrifice without spot or blemish, under the requirements of the law. John points his two disciples to Jesus. He was the one who is greater than John, he is the living Word become flesh.

John 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

The two disciples followed Jesus. This did not take away from John's ministry, it helped to fulfill it. He was sent to prepare the way, to prepare hearts to receive the Messiah. They were fulfilling John's ministry when they followed Jesus. We who minister or teach God's word, do so to point others to Jesus as the way. Each has a path to follow, through Jesus. We are not to hold tight to disciples, but to give them freedom in Christ Jesus.

John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
John 1:39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

The first question was I suppose in order to get to know him better. Where do you dwell? On the Internet chats, one of the frequent first questions is A/S/L What is your age, are you male or female and where do you live. Now this information is not given to strangers, but Jesus knew that these two were sent to him by his Father. He invited them into his dwelling. He was willing to share his life, imparting life to others, even by accepting strangers into his home. John recounts the time, which leads us to believe he was one of the two disciples.

Later Jesus would have no dwelling as he went forth in ministry.

Mat 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Mat 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

John 1:40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

By the time this gospel was written, many knew of Simon Peter. Whenever Andrew is mentioned, he is called Simon Peter's brother. John in his gospel, refers to himself as the disciple who Jesus loved. I like that. If I am linked to another, may it be my Lord Jesus, my Lord and my God.

John 1:41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

There would be nothing heard of Simon Peter, if it were not for the witness of his brother Andrew. Think of this. We may not be well known, but through our serving we may reach one person who will go on to minister to thousands. Each one is of great importance to our Lord.

We have found the Messiah, Andrew was indeed sharing good news. For the Jews were looking for the Messiah. Even now many Jews are looking for the Messiah, having been taught that Jesus was not the one. They will see that he is indeed the Messiah, when he returns in glory.

John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. Matthew speaks later of the revelation given to Peter and the Lord's response.

Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The Spirit reveals things. Not everything we know through the Spirit is written in the word. The word should be used to test truth, likewise the Spirit of truth will show you truth, He is the Spirit of truth. Through revelation, Jesus saw Simon as a stone, part of the Apostolic foundation of the church. After Peter received the Holy Spirit, he would be a solid witness for Jesus. Peter did not refer to himself as a stone, but to all who trust in Jesus, they are lively stones. Peter does not refer to himself as the one the church is built upon, he refers to Jesus as the foundation stone.

1 Pet 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
1 Pet 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
1 Pet 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1 Pet 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Jesus is the chief corner stone, the one who is our foundation.

John 1:43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.
John 1:44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

Philip obeyed the call of Jesus.

John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Philip, as Andrew did, also reached another to come to Jesus. He declared that he had found the one whom Moses and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth and he mentioned Joseph as his father. Legally Joseph was the father by which inheritance came. Through Joseph (and Mary) he was connected to king David. He was the promised king after David's offspring. Philip had a problem with who Jesus' heavenly father was. Later Jesus spoke to him of his true father.

John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

Nathaniel had no problem, once he knew who Jesus was, then he knew he came from God.

John 1:46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

Nathanael was honored by our Lord who said he had no guile. No words to snare, no clever deception, and no deceit but that he was a humble and honest man. He spoke his mind.

John 1:48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
John 1:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Jesus was aware of him from afar, knowing his heart. Jesus always did his Father's will as he heard through the Spirit of God. There is no hiding our heart from God. Nathaniel responded to Jesus, testifying as God revealed, that Jesus is the Son of God and the King of Israel.

John 1:50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
John 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Perhaps this was the fulfillment of Jacob's vision of the ladder.

Gen 28:12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Jesus is the passage way between heaven and earth. He was to be the mediator between God and man. Jesus identified himself as the son of man, identifying with Daniel's prophecy.

Dan 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
Dan 7:14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Son of God. As each disciple brought others to Jesus, they were given knowledge of him through the Holy Spirit.

Andrew witnessed that he was the Messiah, the Christ.

Simon Peter witnessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Philip testified that Jesus was the prince that Moses spoke of and the one the prophets wrote about.

Nathanael identified Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel.

If you do not see Jesus as did these disciples, you have another Jesus. My Jesus is God the Son, the Christ, the everlasting King. Can you list other names for Jesus?

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Superragman@aol.com

John Chapters

John 1
John 2
John 3
John 4
John 5
John 6
John 7
John 8
John 9
John 10
John 11
John 12
John 13
John 14
John 15
John 16
John 17
John 18
John 19
John 20
John 21

Eaglewings websites

Eaglewings Ministries
Eaglewings New Testament Studies
Eaglewings Topical Studies
Eaglewings Daily Bible
Eaglewings Prayers
Eaglewings Testimonies
Sarah's thoughts