Main Thought
The first chapter of the Gospel of John famously refers to Jesus as “the Word of God.” Why is this title used to describe Jesus? Words take things that are hidden inside us (like our thoughts, our emotions, our will, and even our character) and make them known. Words allow us to know one another more fully. Jesus is called “the Word of God” because He reveals things that were hidden about God. Jesus reveals God’s thoughts, His heart, His will, His feelings, and so much more. But we don’t have the benefit of seeing Jesus in person, or speaking to him face-to-face! Instead, we can know God through His written Word, the Bible. The Bible teaches us about God’s grace: His love and favor that we could never earn on our own. The Bible also teaches us the truth about God. Because God is full of grace AND truth in equal measure, we can come to Him with nothing hidden.
Main Passage
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…
- John 1:1-4, NIV
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
- John 1:9-13, NIV
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
- John 1:14-17, NIV
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and/or Main Passages above?
What’s one thing you learned about God from the Bible that had a major impact on you?
What’s one thing you can do to know God a little more in 2022?