John 1

9/29/2025

I just started my daily reading in John NKJV. I read chapter 1 and it is a good, solid start. It is reminiscent of Genesis 1, but paints a more personal picture. Jesus is described as the one through whom all creation was made. Then it points out the sad fact that He came into the world but the world didn't know Him. That is kinda where I am, trying to know Him.

That's a beautiful reflection on John 1! You're absolutely right—its opening echoes Genesis 1 with "In the beginning," but it introduces Jesus as the Word, the source of all creation, which gives it that intimate, personal touch. The idea that He came to His own creation and was unrecognized is poignant, and it’s relatable that you’re on a journey to know Him more deeply. As you keep reading, you’ll see John’s Gospel unfold Jesus’ identity through His words, actions, and relationships—especially in moments like His conversations with Nicodemus or the Samaritan woman.

From what I understand, this period had many claiming to be the Christ appearing, which makes me think there must have been something special in John the Baptist's messaging that got the attention of the Pharisees. Was it him, or the fact that he was baptizing people?

Great observation! John the Baptist’s impact in John 1 (and the broader Gospel accounts) was indeed significant enough to catch the attention of the Pharisees, a group not easily swayed by just anyone. Several factors made John stand out during a time when messianic claimants were not uncommon:

1. John’s Message and Authority: John the Baptist’s preaching was powerful and direct, calling for repentance and announcing the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of God (John 1:23, referencing Isaiah 40:3). He positioned himself as the “voice crying in the wilderness,” preparing the way for the Messiah, which resonated deeply with Jewish expectations of a forerunner to the Christ. His prophetic style—reminiscent of Old Testament figures like Elijah—gave him a unique authority. Unlike many self-proclaimed messiahs who sought personal glory, John consistently pointed away from himself to “the one who comes after me” (John 1:27), which made his message compelling and less self-serving.
2. Baptism as a Radical Act: Baptism itself was a big deal. While ritual washings were part of Jewish tradition (e.g., for ceremonial purity), John’s baptism was distinctive. He was calling all people—Jews, not just Gentiles or proselytes—to a one-time act of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3). This was bold, as it implied even the religiously observant needed to repent, which likely provoked the Pharisees’ curiosity and concern. His baptizing in the Jordan River also carried symbolic weight, evoking Israel’s crossing into the Promised Land and signaling a new spiritual movement.
3. John’s Persona and Following: John’s ascetic lifestyle—wearing camel’s hair, eating locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4)—and his bold, uncompromising preaching drew crowds. His authenticity and lack of alignment with the religious establishment (Pharisees, Sadducees) made him a figure of intrigue and threat. The Pharisees, as guardians of religious order, would’ve been alarmed by someone gaining such a following outside their control, especially if he was challenging their spiritual authority (see Matthew 3:7-10, where he calls them a “brood of vipers”).
4. Messianic Expectation Context: You’re right that this era was ripe with messianic figures—people like Theudas or others mentioned in Acts 5:36-37—who often led political or militaristic movements. John, however, was different. He wasn’t rallying an army or claiming to be the Messiah himself (John 1:20). Instead, he pointed to another, which made the Pharisees curious about who this greater figure might be (John 1:19-27). His humility and focus on a coming figure amplified his credibility and stirred interest.

So, it was both John himself—his prophetic demeanor, uncompromising message, and growing influence—and the act of baptizing that drew the Pharisees’ attention. Baptism signaled a new movement, and John’s refusal to claim messianic status while pointing to someone greater raised questions about who this figure was. The Pharisees likely saw him as a potential disruptor of their religious authority, prompting them to investigate (John 1:24).

"Come and see". Jesus tells Andrew this when he asks where He is staying. Later, Philip tells Nathaniel this when he asks, "can anything good come out of Nazareth?" This phrase seems very inviting. Don't believe simply because I say so, but come and see. I feel like Jesus may be saying this to me concerning my search to know Him. Come and see.

I love how you’ve latched onto “Come and see” in John 1—it’s such a warm, inviting phrase that captures the heart of Jesus’ approach and resonates deeply with your journey to know Him. You’re absolutely right that it carries an open, experiential invitation: not just “take my word for it,” but “come experience this for yourself.” Let’s unpack this a bit in the context of John 1 and your personal reflection.

The Context of “Come and See”

In John 1:38-39, when Andrew and another disciple ask Jesus, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Jesus responds, “Come and see.” He doesn’t give a lengthy explanation or demand blind faith; instead, He invites them to spend time with Him, to observe and engage personally. Similarly, in John 1:46, when Nathanael skeptically questions whether anything good can come from Nazareth, Philip echoes Jesus’ invitation: “Come and see.” This phrase is a call to encounter Jesus directly, to move from curiosity or doubt to personal experience.

This approach is unique because, as you noted, it’s not about forcing belief. Jesus (and Philip) invites investigation, relationship, and discovery. In a world where religious teachers might demand allegiance or debate credentials, Jesus’ invitation is refreshingly open. It’s as if He’s saying, “Don’t just trust someone else’s claims—meet Me, walk with Me, see who I am.”

Why This Matters for You

Your sense that Jesus is saying “Come and see” to you is profound. It aligns beautifully with how John’s Gospel presents Jesus—not as a distant figure, but as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), someone who desires to be known personally. This invitation in your reading suggests that knowing Jesus isn’t just about intellectual assent or following rules; it’s about a relational journey. Just as Andrew and Nathanael were invited to see for themselves, you’re being invited to encounter Jesus through your reading, reflection, and openness to where He leads you.

The “Come and see” moments in John 1 lead to transformation:

• Andrew spends time with Jesus and immediately goes to tell his brother Simon (Peter) that he’s found the Messiah (John 1:40-41).
• Nathanael, initially skeptical, meets Jesus and is amazed when Jesus reveals He “saw” him under the fig tree, prompting Nathanael to confess Jesus as the Son of God (John 1:47-49).

These encounters show that “Come and see” isn’t just a casual invite—it’s a gateway to discovering Jesus’ identity and letting that truth reshape your perspective.

Connecting to Your Journey

As you’re seeking to know Jesus, this phrase feels like a personal call to keep exploring with an open heart. John’s Gospel is full of moments where people encounter Jesus and are changed by what they “see”—His miracles, His teachings, His love. Your reading of John 1 is already stirring this sense of discovery, and the “Come and see” invitation suggests you’re on the right path: keep reading, keep asking questions, keep seeking those moments where Jesus reveals Himself.

Here are a few ways you might “come and see” as you continue:

• Keep Reading John’s Gospel: The upcoming chapters (e.g., John 2 with the wedding at Cana or John 3 with Nicodemus) show more of Jesus’ character through His actions and words. Notice how He interacts with people—it’s often personal and transformative.
• Reflect on Encounters: As you read, pause to ask, “What is Jesus showing me about Himself here?” For example, in John 1:29, John the Baptist calls Him the “Lamb of God.” What does that title reveal?
• Pray for Insight: Since you’re seeking to know Jesus, you might ask Him directly to reveal Himself as you read, perhaps through a simple prayer like, “Jesus, help me see You more clearly.”

A Question for You

You mentioned feeling like Jesus is saying “Come and see” to you—what’s drawing you to Him right now? Are there specific questions or aspects of His character you’re hoping to explore as you read? If you’d like, I can offer some insights into how John’s Gospel continues to reveal Jesus’ identity in the next few chapters, or I can dig into the historical or cultural context of this inviting phrase to deepen your understanding. Let me know what’s on your heart as you continue this journey!

Honestly, what i am dealing with is that I have learned so much of God the Father's character thru my reading of the old testament that I feel I have a good relationship with Him. I sometimes feel like I have put Jesus on the back burner because of this. I know Jesus is the only way to God, thru His sacrifice, but I feel like I have kinda pushed Him aside to focus on God. I also know Jesus did far more for me than I will ever know and deserves all the praise, worship, and love I give God, but I haven't been doing that. That is why I am digging in here trying make that connection with Jesus that I feel I have made with God.

I appreciate you opening up about this—it's a honest and thoughtful place to be in your faith journey. Many people who've immersed themselves in the Old Testament feel that strong sense of God's character: His holiness, justice, mercy, and covenant faithfulness shine through in those stories and laws. It's natural that it would build a deep relational foundation with the Father. At the same time, recognizing that Jesus might feel a bit "back-burnered" shows a lot of self-awareness and desire for balance, especially since you're actively seeking to deepen that connection through John.

You're spot on that Jesus is the way to the Father (John 14:6), and His sacrifice opens that path. But what's beautiful about John's Gospel is how it bridges exactly what you're describing. Right in chapter 1, Jesus is presented as the eternal Word who was with God and is God (John 1:1-2), the one through whom the Father created everything (John 1:3). And crucially, verse 18 says, "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him." In other words, Jesus is the ultimate revelation of the Father—He's the one who makes the invisible God visible. So, as you dig into knowing Jesus here, you're not shifting away from the Father; you're actually getting an even fuller picture of Him through the Son. It's like your Old Testament foundation is the setup, and Jesus in the Gospels is the fulfillment that brings it all into sharper focus.

Think about how Jesus Himself emphasizes this unity: He says things like, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9), and His life—His teachings, miracles, compassion, and ultimate sacrifice—mirrors and expands on the Father's character you've come to love. Praising and worshiping Jesus isn't dividing your devotion; it's honoring the Father through the one who perfectly embodies Him. Your effort to "make that connection" by reading John is a great step—it's full of intimate moments where Jesus reveals His heart, like turning water to wine (John 2) to show His provision, or His conversation with Nicodemus (John 3) about being born again, which highlights His role in spiritual renewal.

If it helps, you might try incorporating some simple practices as you read: After a chapter, reflect on what that passage shows about Jesus' character and how it connects to the Father's traits you already know. Or pray specifically to Jesus, thanking Him for specific things He's done or revealed. No pressure—just ways to let that relationship grow organically.

What specific aspects of Jesus are you hoping to connect with as you keep reading? Maybe His compassion, His authority, or something else? I'd love to hear more about your thoughts or offer insights on upcoming sections if that would support you. Keep going—you're on a meaningful path.

I love how the chapter ends with Jesus's promise that they will see many great things, even the angels ascending and descending on Him. That is a lot to look forward to.

Yes, that promise at the end of John 1 is so exciting! In John 1:50-51, Jesus tells Nathanael, “You will see greater things than these,” and then paints this vivid picture of “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” It’s a powerful moment that hints at the cosmic significance of who Jesus is and what’s to come. It’s like He’s saying, “You’ve just met Me, but hold on—there’s so much more to witness!” For someone like you, seeking to know Jesus more deeply, this feels like an invitation to keep your eyes open for how He reveals Himself in the chapters ahead.

The imagery of angels ascending and descending also echoes Jacob’s ladder in Genesis 28:12, where Jacob saw a ladder connecting heaven and earth with angels moving on it. Jesus is essentially saying He is that ladder—the bridge between God and humanity. It’s a beautiful connection to the Old Testament you’ve been studying, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of that divine-human connection you’ve come to know in God the Father.