- [00:00:00] It’s been great. Before we move into our sermon, I want to share where we are in our series. We are doing a series called \"Walk Through the Bible.\" For the past 30 weeks, we have journeyed from Genesis all the way to Malachi. We have a slide that captures and gives us a snapshot of this journey. Though it’s a bit small to read, we will share it in your small groups. We have covered all the different genres of the Bible — the Pentateuch (the first five books), the historical books, the Psalms and poetic books, and finally the prophetic books. - [00:00:37] The Bible is so beautiful because it presents the same message across all these different genres. It’s very unique, being the only literature that synthesizes a consistent story throughout. We have traced God’s redemption and the thin red line running from Genesis to Revelation. We looked at all the covenants: the covenant of works in creation, the covenant with Noah (the covenant of preservation, from which common grace comes), the Abrahamic covenant, the old Mosaic covenant, the Davidic covenant (promising a coming king), and the messianic psalms pointing to Jesus. - [00:01:47] We also examined the prophets, who were called to remind people of God’s covenant and act as enforcers. It’s important to keep this big picture in mind as we see the story unfold. I have a quote from one of my seminary professors, O. Palmer Robertson, now retired. He said there is one covenant of grace with multiple administrations through all these covenants, all culminating in Jesus Christ, the true seed, king, and mediator. Today, we begin the New Testament, where Jesus proclaims the new covenant — a fuller manifestation of God’s covenant of grace. This will be encouraging for us all. - [00:02:23] Let us look to the Lord in prayer. A gracious and merciful Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, so rich, alive, and full of truth that gives us life and lights up our hearts, days, and world without which we would be lost. I pray as we begin this journey into the New Testament, tracing Your redemptive acts and applying them to our lives, that it will bring encouragement, conviction, motivation, and inspiration. Help us be the light of the world You have called us to be, in Jesus’ precious name. Amen. - [00:03:50] As we look at the Gospels, each writer introduces Jesus Christ differently. I have chosen John’s Gospel because it is unique. John was one of the most intimate disciples of Jesus. All the Gospels were written between 60 to 100 AD, and commentators believe John’s was written last. Combined with his letters, we know he wrote them while imprisoned on the island of Patmos. John wrote this Gospel, which means “good news,” at the prime of his age during difficult circumstances and suffering. - [00:04:31] This was not a theoretical message or a biography meant to become a bestseller or merely inspire people. It was good news for John personally because he had touched, seen, and heard Christ, and he wants to communicate that to us. John’s prologue, or introduction in chapter 1, sets the tone for the entire Gospel. Everything he unpacks later is introduced here in seed form. It is one of the richest pieces of literature in history, almost poetic though not technically poetry. John uses words with rhyme, rhythm, and parallelism that carry deep meaning. - [00:05:53] John introduces Jesus with the first three words: \"In the beginning.\" These words are familiar to the Jewish readers, as they echo the opening of Genesis. The last book we studied was Malachi, after which there was nearly 400 years of silence—no prophets, no revelation from God. Generations wondered if the Messiah would ever come. John wants to give an overview and introduce who Jesus is. - [00:06:35] John starts \"In the beginning was the Word.\" The \"Word\" is translated from the Greek \"Logos,\" from which we get “logic.” He contrasts this divine logic with void or nothingness. Most worldviews think the world started from nothing or chaos; John reminds us the Word existed eternally. The Word is divine self-expression, divine logic, and presence. Jesus is the ultimate communication of God’s being. - [00:09:10] Colossians 1:15 says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” God revealed Himself through signs, symbols, and covenants in the Old Testament, but in Jesus, God reveals Himself fully and without filters. In today’s world of social media filters and AI-generated images, it’s hard to know what is real. But Jesus is the real deal — God fully revealed. - [00:10:40] John says the Word was with God. The Greek preposition \"pros\" implies close, intimate relationship—face to face, communing in love. Imagine the marital intimacy of a bride and groom taking their vows, looking into each other’s eyes. This is the relationship within the Trinity. God is not a distant, inactive being but a beautiful, loving community. - [00:13:32] This communion within the Trinity is described theologically as the covenant of grace. Before creation, God the Father chose us in Christ (Ephesians 1:4). They decided to create a community like theirs and bring us into it. Revelation 13:8 says Jesus was the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world, knowing our imperfection and the need for sacrifice. Hebrews 13:20 calls it the eternal covenant sealed by the blood of Jesus. - [00:15:46] This covenant of grace means God decided to bring you and me into a loving relationship before we were born, before we could do good or bad. That grace makes us valuable, gives life meaning, and is deeply layered in these verses. - [00:16:31] Verse 3 says, “All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” This reinforces that the world did not come from nothing but from the Trinity. We have a mind and reason because divine logic exists within God. However, reason alone cannot lead us to know God; faith is a gift. - [00:18:12] The implication is that life has meaning and purpose because it was created by the ontological Trinity. If we came from purposeless chaos, life would have no purpose. But because God created us, our purpose is the same as within the Trinity: God will be our God, and we will be His people. Christ in us, and we in Christ. - [00:20:26] John introduces three big implications: (1) Jesus Christ is the light amidst darkness, (2) He gives life to the broken, and (3) He gives love to the lost. - [00:21:08] Verse 4 says, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” Greek distinguishes between biological life (bios) and eternal life (zoe). Jesus gives zoe, eternal life, which lights up our lives with meaning and purpose. This life is hidden in Christ, the true source of life. - [00:22:41] Verse 5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Darkness represents sin, confusion, and rebellion, which entered after Adam and Eve’s fall. The world’s fundamental problem is darkness about God, and only the Word’s light can dispel it. Human reason alone cannot fathom God, nor can education guarantee faith. - [00:25:25] Verse 6 introduces John the Baptist, sent as a witness to bear witness about the light so all might believe. John was the forerunner, prophesied in the Old Testament. - [00:26:11] Verses 9-10 say, “The light which gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him.” The light of Christ is present both externally and internally, but the world failed to recognize Him. - [00:27:49] Verse 11 laments that He came to His own people, yet they did not receive Him. These are God’s covenant people from Abraham onwards. Despite rebellion, God’s light kept shining through a faithful remnant. - [00:29:17] Application: Where are you walking in darkness—sin, despair, confusion? Ask the light of Christ to shine. Engage scripture, confess, and seek God’s face. In a culture that mocks faith as unreasonable, remember faith is a gift and Jesus is the light of truth in a post-truth world. - [00:30:36] Families must model this light from the home, in conversations, parenting, and love. This is the light of the world that breaks through darkness, sin, rebellion, philosophies, and worldviews. - [00:31:17] Verses 12-13 say, “To all who received Him and believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, born not of blood, nor will of flesh, but of God.” Jesus gives new life through rebirth — being born again. - [00:31:58] God’s covenant people in the Old Testament were imperfect: Abraham lied, Rahab was a prostitute, David sinned greatly. Yet God gave life to broken people. This new life is not just about living differently; it is about being adopted as God’s children. - [00:34:01] This adoption is by God’s will, not by heritage or merit. It is a profound identity and healing truth. For me personally, having lost a difficult earthly father, knowing God as my perfect heavenly Father has been deeply edifying and healing. God’s love is unconditional and adopts all broken people as His children. - [00:36:04] Fulton Sheen said, “God does not love us because we are valuable; we are valuable because God loves us.” This adoption gives us self-worth and identity. - [00:36:53] Jesus gives new life to all kinds of people: Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, the adulterous woman, the disciples who betrayed Him. Salvation is not about spiritual resumes but humble reception. - [00:38:36] Believe in Jesus not just intellectually, but experientially. Your identity as a child of God will sustain you better than any other identity. Parents, remind your children that grace, not grades or achievements, defines their worth. - [00:40:00] Verses 14 and onward: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John now introduces Jesus as God incarnate, taking on physical form to understand our pain, temptation, and suffering. - [00:41:36] “Dwelt among us” uses the same word as “tabernacle,” indicating Jesus permanently tabernacled among us, unlike the temporary Old Testament presence. We have seen His glory — not merely a mountaintop experience, but His weighty, glorious character. - [00:43:02] Jesus is glorious because He demonstrates absolute grace and absolute truth together. Other philosophies or religions may emphasize one or the other, but Jesus embodies both fully. - [00:44:27] John the Baptist testified that Jesus ranks before him because He existed before him. Prophets proclaimed truth but could not give grace. Jesus gives grace upon grace — He never rejects us despite our failures, but this grace is costly because Jesus bore the consequences on the cross. - [00:45:47] The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. The law was a schoolmaster leading us to Christ; it did not provide grace. Jesus reveals God fully, making Him known. - [00:46:26] The Westminster Larger Catechism teaches the chief end of man is to know God and enjoy Him forever. If we have received grace and truth, we must reflect it in our relationships—starting at home, in marriages, parenting, and workplaces. Only Jesus can light us up to do this. - [00:47:47] Later in the Gospel, Jesus makes seven “I am” statements, including “I am the light of the world” and “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 3:16 summarizes the gospel: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - [00:48:29] In closing, if you need life, go to Jesus. Are you merely existing, living to work and working to live, or are you tasting the abundant life Jesus offers through relationship with Him? If you need light to find meaning and purpose, Jesus is the only source. Without Him, all worldly pursuits are empty. - [00:49:04] If you need unconditional love—the kind that combines grace and truth—you will only find it in Jesus. Other things that seem to promise life will ultimately take it away. Management reviews, achievements, or relationships cannot give this love. Jesus alone does. - [00:49:40] Do not follow the counsel of this world, which leads to emptiness. Jesus gives love, life, and light to the lost, broken, and wandering. He alone is the true source of hope and purpose.