The Unlock | John 1: The Word Was Already There

John 1: The Word Was Already There

Key Verse

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

Before there was a manger in Bethlehem… Before there were miracles, disciples, or the cross… Before creation itself…

Jesus already existed.

Today, we’re unlocking John 1.

Let’s open the door. 

Context

John doesn’t begin his Gospel with a genealogy or the Christmas story. Instead, he takes us all the way back to eternity. His opening words intentionally echo Genesis 1: “In the beginning…” Genesis begins with the creation of the world.

John begins with the Creator of the world.

This chapter is an invitation to discover who Jesus really is, not just a great teacher or prophet, but God Himself who stepped into human history to rescue humanity.

Today, we’re unlocking the identity of Jesus.

Who Wrote John? The Gospel of John was written by John the Apostle around A.D. 85–95.

Unlike Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John focuses less on chronology and more on revealing Jesus’ divine identity.

John tells us exactly why he wrote this Gospel: “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 20:31)

When Was It Written? Approximately A.D. 85–95, after many of the other New Testament books had already been written.

Many believers were facing persecution, false teaching was spreading, and John wanted Christians to be absolutely certain about who Jesus is.

Where Does This Take Place? John 1 begins before time itself, in eternity. The chapter then moves to:

• The creation of the world
• The ministry of John the Baptist
• The Jordan River region
• Galilee
• The calling of Jesus’ first disciples

The story moves from heaven to earth.

What’s Happening? John introduces Jesus with a title unlike any other: “The Word” (Logos). The Word represents God’s voice, wisdom, truth, and self-revelation. Jesus isn’t merely someone who speaks God’s Word.

Jesus IS the Word.

John reveals several incredible truths:

• Jesus existed before creation.
• Jesus is God.
• Jesus created everything.
• Jesus is life.
• Jesus is light.
• Darkness cannot overcome Him.
• He came into the world He created.
• Many rejected Him.
• Those who received Him became children of God.
• The Word became flesh and lived among us.

Then John introduces John the Baptist, who points everyone away from himself and toward Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

Finally, Jesus begins calling His first disciples, showing that following Him begins with a simple invitation: “Come and see.”

Why Does This Matter? Everything about Christianity depends on one question: Who is Jesus?

If Jesus is only a good teacher… His words are optional.

If Jesus is only a prophet… He is one voice among many.

But if Jesus is God… Everything changes. John wants us to understand that salvation is not about finding God. It’s about God coming to find us.

Jesus entered our darkness to become our Light.

How Does This Apply Today? We still live in a world filled with darkness:

• Confusion
• Fear
• Anxiety
• Division
• Brokenness
• Sin

John doesn’t deny the darkness. He simply reminds us that darkness never has the final word.

• The Light always wins. When life feels uncertain… Look to Jesus.
• When culture becomes confusing… Look to Jesus.
• When you’re searching for purpose… Look to Jesus.

He has always existed. He is still speaking. He is still calling people to follow Him.

Let’s Unlock This

The Word: In Greek, “Word” is Logos, meaning God’s complete expression of Himself. Jesus is God’s message made visible. If you want to know what God is like… Look at Jesus.

Light vs. Darkness: John uses light and darkness throughout his Gospel.

Light represents:

• Truth
• Life
• Hope
• Holiness
• God’s presence

Darkness represents:

• Sin
• Unbelief
• Fear
• Death
• Separation from God

John declares something powerful: “The darkness could not overcome the Light.” Darkness doesn’t defeat light. Light always overcomes darkness.

Grace and Truth: John says Jesus came full of grace and truth. Grace without truth excuses sin. Truth without grace crushes people. Jesus perfectly embodies both.

Ask Yourself

1. What stands out most to me about Jesus in this chapter?
2. Where have I experienced darkness in my life recently?
3. How can I intentionally follow the Light this week?
4. What does it mean to me that Jesus existed before creation?
5. Are there areas where I know about Jesus but haven’t fully trusted Him?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly, Most Gracious, Father, 

Thank You for revealing Yourself through Jesus Christ. Thank You that before time began, You already had a plan to rescue us. Help me to know Jesus more deeply, trust Him more fully, and follow Him more faithfully. Shine Your light into every dark place of my life and let Your truth guide my decisions each day. Help me to receive Your grace and extend that same grace to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Challenge

• This week, ask yourself: What voice am I allowing to shape my life? The news?, Social media?, Fear?, Other people’s opinions?, Or… The Word?
• Spend a few minutes each day reading one section of John’s Gospel.
• Instead of asking, “What should I do today?” Ask, “What is Jesus showing me about who He is?”

When you know who Jesus is… You’ll know who you are.

Take a moment to worship the Creator.

-Lady Janee Woods