Week 3: The World

The prologue to John’s Gospel (vv. 1-18) functions as a prelude to the rest of the book. In these opening verses, John is introducing us to characters, imagery, language, and contrasts (e.g. light vs. darkness) that will recur later on in the book. The prelude sets the tone and tunes our ears to what is to come. One of the key notes we hear is “the world,” which always plays in a minor key in his Gospel. It’s a note of discord.

For John, “the world” is not a morally-neutral term referring to creation in general. Instead, it speaks of humanity in its corrupt, fallen, sinful state. This world, John says, didn’t recognize the light. But it gets worse: Jesus’ own people (the Jews) rejected him too. The very ones he will sacrifice himself for want nothing to do with him. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, the answer to the question, “Will you accept Jesus?” is always going to be a resounding, “No. Crucify him!”

Some scholars have noted that John’s introduction takes the form of a chiasmus, which means the climax of the entire section is located not at the end but at the center―specifically in verse 12b: “he gave the right to become children of God.” Everything hinges on this verse. Without God granting us the right to become his children, we will always reject him as Father. The good news here is that God moves first, initiating and finalizing our spiritual adoption papers. In the words of Augustine, “That same only Son whom he had begotten, and by whom he created all things, is the one he sent into this world so that he might not be alone but might have adopted brothers and sisters.” 1

Reflection Questions

1. What do these verses teach us about humanity’s default response to Jesus?

2. What was your experience of “being born of God”?

3. Verse 9 says “the true light... gives light to everyone.” Who is one person in your life that needs the light of Jesus? How can you show it to them? Take a moment to pray for them.