Protocol One Studies - The Gospel of John - Week 1
The Word Was with God, and the Word Was God
When we open the Gospel of John, we are not merely stepping into a book—we are stepping into the holy of holies of Scripture. This is no ordinary gospel. John’s aim is not just to tell the story of Jesus, but to reveal Him.
He doesn’t begin with a genealogy or a manger.
He opens with eternity.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
This one verse contains an entire universe of theology. It stretches backward into timeless pre-existence and forward into our very salvation. Over the next eight weeks, we’ll explore this Gospel verse by verse and theme by theme. But before we dive deeper, we must understand the foundation John lays in his prologue (1:1–18). It is this theological framework that will shape every miracle, every conversation, and every declaration in the chapters to come.
A Book Unlike Any Other
John’s Gospel is simple in its vocabulary but profound in its meaning. The Greek used in this book is famously accessible—even first-year seminary students translate it early. And yet, many seasoned theologians wait until the twilight of their careers to write commentaries on it. Why? Because beneath its linguistic simplicity lies unfathomable spiritual depth.
Let me put it plainly: this is not a book to merely be studied—it is a book to be encountered. It presents us with Jesus not only as the Messiah, but as the eternal Word, the true Light, and the very Life of humanity.
The Major Sections of John
John’s Gospel is arranged with intentional symmetry. Understanding its structure will help us grasp its purpose:
The Prologue (1:1–18)
Lays the theological groundwork: Jesus is the eternal Word, fully divine, the agent of creation, and the revelation of God Himself.Revelation to Israel (1:19–12:50)
Often called the “Book of Signs.” Jesus performs seven public miracles that reveal His identity. It begins with private encounters (John the Baptist, early disciples) and expands into public ministry. The signs are not just wonders; they are theological statements in action.Revelation to the Disciples (13:1–17:26)
Known as the “Upper Room Discourse,” this is an intimate teaching block. Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure through instruction, comfort, and prayer.Redemption for the World (18:1–20:31)
The Passion narrative. The death and resurrection of Jesus are the culmination of His mission—not displays of weakness, but revelations of glory.The Epilogue (21:1–25)
A final miracle. A lakeside breakfast. A quiet reinstatement of Peter. It’s not just a conclusion—it’s a recommissioning.
The Core Message: Believing for Life
John’s purpose is not hidden—it’s boldly stated:
“These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31)
Here’s something vital: belief is always a verb in John, never a noun. There’s no abstract “faith.” There is only believing—ongoing, active, personal trust.
John doesn’t ask, “Did you ever believe?”
He asks, “In whom are you believing right now?”
Christianity’s Irreducible Core
This first chapter also draws us to consider the central beliefs of the Christian faith. At its heart, Christianity is built on three non-negotiables:
A Book – The inspired Word of God
A Person – Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man
An Experience – Eternal life through Him
Lose any one of these, and you no longer have Christianity. You may have moralism. Or mysticism. Or social justice. But not the Gospel.
The Prologue (John 1:1–18)
1. His Essence as the Word (1:1–5)
John opens with a series of theological declarations that reorient everything:
“In the beginning was the Word”
Jesus existed before time. He is eternal, uncreated, and self-existent.“The Word was with God”
This speaks of equality and relationship. The Greek phrase pros ton theon implies intimacy—a face-to-face fellowship with the Father. Jesus is distinct in person, yet one in essence.“The Word was God”
Not “a god.” Not a spiritual being among many. Jesus is God. He shares the full essence of deity.
Then comes His relation to the world:
“All things were made through Him…”
Jesus is the agent of creation. Everything in the universe owes its existence to Him.“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
Jesus is not just the maker of life—He is the meaning of life. His light reveals, restores, and saves.“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Darkness is not merely the absence of light. It is its enemy. But it cannot win.
💡 Reflect: What does it mean that Jesus is both with God and is God? What does this tell you about the One we follow?
2. His Expression to the World (1:6–13)
John introduces John the Baptist—not as the Light, but as a witness to it.
Though the Light shines, many do not see. The world He made did not recognize Him. His own people did not receive Him.
But those who did? Everything changed.
“To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
This is not natural birth. It is spiritual. Not inherited. Not earned. A divine gift.
3. His Exposition (Revelation) of God (1:14–18)
“The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.”
The eternal stepped into time. The invisible took on form. The divine became touchable.
And this was not a reflected glory like Moses experienced. This was inherent glory.
“We beheld His glory, full of grace and truth.”
John finishes the prologue with one final crescendo:
“No one has ever seen God… the only begotten God… has declared Him.”
The Greek verb translated “declared” is exegeomai—from which we get “exegesis.”
Jesus is the exposition of God. He interprets the Father. He makes Him known.
💡 Reflect: What does it mean that Jesus “declares” God? How does this impact how you read the Gospels?
Comparative Study: “Four Chapter Ones”
To go deeper, study these four pillars of Christ’s divinity:
John 1 – The Word made flesh
Romans 1 – Creation reveals God's divine nature
Colossians 1 – Christ, the image of the invisible God
Hebrews 1 – The radiance of God’s glory
🧠 Key Insight: Every person who encounters creation is, in fact, encountering Christ the Creator—not just “God” generically.
Key Takeaways
Jesus is Eternal – He already was, before anything else was.
Jesus is God – Not symbolic or mythic. Fully divine.
Jesus is the Agent of Creation – All things came into being through Him.
Jesus is the Source of Life and Light – Our hope and clarity.
Jesus Reveals the Father – To know Him is to know God.
Worship Moment: We Beheld His Glory
Take a breath. Still your thoughts. Let the weight of this truth settle.
“The Word became flesh and dwelled among us… full of grace and truth.”
He did not remain distant. He came near.
He did not speak from the clouds. He walked in the dust.
You have beheld His glory.
Now respond with reverence.
Speak to Him. Worship Him. Receive His light.
Jesus, eternal Word—thank You for stepping into my world. Let me not merely learn about You, but see You. Not just believe in the past, but trust You now. Let Your light shine in my darkness. Let Your life take root in mine.
Reflection Challenge
This week, immerse yourself in the Prologue:
📖 Read John 1:1–18 daily
🙏 Pray for a fresh revelation of the Word
🧠 Ask: In whom am I believing today—not yesterday, not in theory, but today?
You are not just studying a Gospel.
You are encountering a Person.
You are stepping into life in His name.
What This Means for Us
If Jesus is the eternal Word—equal with God and yet relationally distinct—then community is not a human invention. It is built into the very fabric of divine reality.
The Trinity models perfect unity in diversity, mutual submission without hierarchy, and love without rivalry. This is what Christian community is meant to reflect:
A people who honor one another as distinct yet equal
A church centered not on performance but on presence
A fellowship that exists not to compete but to glorify
To follow the Word is to enter the life of God—and that life is never lived alone.
As We Close Week One
John doesn't warm us up to Jesus' divinity—he starts there.
The Word is God. The Word became flesh. The Word reveals the Father.
We are invited not only to believe this, but to behold it.
Not just to analyze the light, but to walk in it.
Let this first chapter form the lens through which you see everything else that follows.
Next week, the Word steps into the world stage. The signs begin. The mission unfolds. The darkness resists—but the Light cannot be overcome.
Let the Word speak.
Let the Light shine.
Let the believing begin.
—Protocol One
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