John 1:1-11

John 1:1-11 reveals Jesus as the Word through whom all creation came into existence, emphasizing His power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. In verse 3, "Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made," we see Christ’s involvement in the ordinary process of creation, which He imbued with divine purpose (Kostenberger). This truth highlights His ability to elevate the mundane aspects of life into something sacred. The Word’s presence in the world (v. 10), despite rejection, demonstrates God’s intention to enter human life, bringing divine light into darkness. This concept connects to 2 Corinthians 4:6, which states, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts.” Christ’s transformative power is not limited to creation but extends to individual lives, turning them into reflections of God’s glory.

The statement in verse 4, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind,” points to Jesus as the source of spiritual vitality, illuminating and renewing human existence. His ability to transform lives is exemplified in His first miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11), where He turned water into wine. This act serves as a tangible expression of His power to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary, enriching the lives of those who trust in Him. Similarly, in John 6:9-13, Jesus transforms a small offering of loaves and fish into a feast for thousands, illustrating His capacity to take what is ordinary and multiply it for extraordinary purposes.

The transformative power of Jesus is central to His mission. Even the rejection described in verse 11—“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him”—reveals His ability to overcome human limitations and unbelief. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He transforms human brokenness into redemption and hope, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. This is echoed in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Jesus continually works to transform the ordinary aspects of life, infusing them with divine purpose and eternal significance.

Background of John

Exegesis of John 1:1-11

Overview of John 1:1-11 from a Wesleyan/Methodist Theological Perspective

The Gospel of John is particularly resonant with Wesleyan/Methodist theology, which emphasizes God’s prevenient grace, the transformative power of faith, and the call to holy living. John’s themes of light, love, and eternal life align with core Wesleyan principles, making this Gospel a foundation for teaching and spiritual formation within the Methodist tradition.

Prevenient Grace Wesleyan theology begins with prevenient grace, the unmerited favor of God that prepares humanity to respond to Him. In John, this grace is evident in the opening verses: “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:9). John’s depiction of Jesus as the light reveals God’s universal invitation to salvation. This aligns with John Wesley’s belief that God’s grace works in every person, drawing them toward repentance and faith even before they are aware of it (Collins).
Justifying Grace and Faith For Wesley, justifying grace is the moment a believer is reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. John’s Gospel emphasizes belief as the pathway to eternal life: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This verse, central to Christian theology, resonates with Wesley’s understanding that salvation is freely given but must be received through faith (Outler). John’s focus on signs and miracles, such as the turning of water into wine (John 2:1-11) and the raising of Lazarus (John 11:38-44), underscores the necessity of faith. These acts of divine power invite belief, mirroring Wesley’s insistence that faith is a gift enabled by God’s grace, not mere human effort.
Sanctifying Grace and Holiness Sanctification, the process of being made holy, is a hallmark of Wesleyan theology. John highlights this through Jesus’ teachings on abiding in Him: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5). This call to remain connected to Christ aligns with Wesley’s emphasis on spiritual growth and holiness of heart and life (Collins). Additionally, the new commandment Jesus gives—to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34)—echoes Wesley’s stress on perfect love. Love for God and neighbor is the evidence of sanctifying grace at work in a believer’s life. For Wesley, this love is not abstract but demonstrated in action, a theme John illustrates repeatedly in Jesus’ interactions with others.
The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is central to both the Gospel of John and Wesleyan theology. John records Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit as the Counselor and Guide: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things” (John 14:26). This assurance of divine presence and empowerment undergirds Wesley’s teaching on the Spirit’s role in guiding, comforting, and sanctifying believers (Outler).
Missional Living and Evangelism John’s Gospel concludes with a missional imperative, reflecting Jesus’ commission to His disciples: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). Wesleyan theology embraces this call to evangelism, emphasizing the believer’s responsibility to share the Gospel and embody Christ’s love in the world. John’s emphasis on Jesus as the Word sent from God reinforces the Methodist vision of spreading scriptural holiness throughout the land.
Conclusion The Gospel of John aligns seamlessly with Wesleyan theology, particularly in its emphasis on grace, faith, holiness, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Through its rich theological narrative, the Gospel not only affirms key Methodist doctrines but also challenges believers to live out their faith in love and mission.

John 1:1-11 Bible Study Handout
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