Day 1
Understand their story
Read John 1:1-18.
As John opens his gospel, he introduces us to Jesus whom he calls “the Word” and “the light”.
- List all the things you learn about “the Word” in verses 1-4.
- List all the things you learn about “the light” in verses 5, 9-13.
- List all the things you learn about “the Word” in verses 14-18.
- Reflect: Which of these characteristics or descriptions of Jesus are the most challenging or encouraging for you today?
Pray today in adoration and supplication. Praise Jesus for who He is! Ask that the Holy Spirit would help shape your understanding of, and love for, Jesus as you study the gospel of John this year.
Day 2
Understand their story
Read John 1:1-18.
John also introduces us to “a man sent from God.”
- List all the things you learn about this man in verses 6-8.
- List all the things you learn about this man in verse 15.
- Reflect: While there is only one John the Baptist in history, we can learn from his example and ‘bear witness about the light.” Is this something you think about? Do you testify about Jesus?.
Pray today in reflection and confession. How can your head knowledge of Jesus translate into speaking words about Jesus today? What would it look like to bear witness to him in your day at school, work or home?
Day 3
Connect to His story
When we read any book, it’s helpful to know who is writing it. Read the following verses and note what they tell us about John, the author of this gospel (note: this is not the same John as we read about on Day 2!).
- Matthew 4:18-22.
- What was his occupation before he met Jesus? What did he do when Jesus called him?
- Matthew 17:1-3, Matthew 26:36-38
- What was his relationship with Jesus? What experiences did Jesus allow him to witness?
- 1 John 1:1-3.
- In a later letter, John reminds people that he and other apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry. How many of the 5 senses does he reference when he talks about Jesus?
Pray today in adoration! In the gospel of John we have an opportunity to get to know Jesus through the eyes of someone who heard him, saw him with [his eyes], and touched him!
Day 4
Connect to His story
What else can we learn about John, the author, in scripture?
- Read Acts 4:1-4. What role does John assume immediately after Jesus’ death and resurrection?
- Read Galatians 2:7-10. What does the apostle Paul say about John’s role in the early church?
- Read Revelation 1:4-9.
- Why does John say that he is on the island of Patmos near the end of his life?
- Despite the fact that he has been sent to Patmos as punishment for preaching about Jesus, what does he affirm about Jesus in verses 4-8?
Pray today in supplication. Ask Jesus to help you to testify about him faithfully, and joyfully, like John did.
Day 5
Apply to our story
John 1:1-18 leads us to worship, and also begs a response. Read this passage again today, and then focus on verses 9-13.
- How did “the world” respond to Jesus?
- How did “his own people” respond to Jesus?
- What must one do in order to receive Jesus according to verse 12?
- What new identity is offered to those who believe in his name?
Now read John 1:14-18 again.
- What does John say that he and the other disciples (those identified as “we”) have received?
- Reflect: If you are a Christian, do you know that you too have received grace upon grace?
Pray today in supplication, for those whom you know who do not know Jesus and have not received Jesus. If you are a Christian, pray also in adoration, praising him for giving you the right to become a child of God.