Approaching the Bible [Part 9]: The Gospel of John 1–10

Read Aloud

The Gospel of John opens not with a manger or genealogy, but with eternity itself:

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

John reveals Jesus as the eternal Son — the divine Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. Through Him all things were made, and through Him, light broke into the darkness. From the very first verse, we’re invited to see Jesus not only as Savior but as Creator, Redeemer, and the very presence of God among His people.

The Light That Shines in the Darkness

Throughout the first ten chapters, John shows us Jesus as the Light of the World — the One who exposes truth, reveals the Father’s heart, and calls us out of spiritual blindness. He meets Nicodemus at night and the Samaritan woman in the heat of the day, teaching both that true life begins not through religion, but through rebirth — a birth of the Spirit.

When Jesus offers “living water,” He isn’t speaking of what satisfies the body, but what renews the soul. The woman at the well becomes a living example of redemption — proof that no one is too far from grace to be transformed.

The Miracles and the Message

John records seven key signs that reveal who Jesus truly is — from turning water into wine to healing the blind and walking on water. Each miracle is more than a display of power; it’s a window into His identity:He is the Bread of Life who feeds the hungry, the Light of the World who overcomes darkness, and the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.

When Jesus says, “I am,” He echoes the very name of God given to Moses — “I AM WHO I AM.” These statements reveal His eternal nature and divine authority.

The Good Shepherd

In John 10, Jesus gives one of His most personal and comforting images:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”

The Shepherd knows His sheep. He calls them by name, guides them through danger, and guards them with His life. No one can snatch them from His hand. In this truth we find unshakable peace — that even in chaos, we belong to Him.

Reflection

John 1–10 is a portrait of divine revelation and personal relationship. Jesus doesn’t just want to be known; He wants to be experienced.He offers light for our darkness, truth for our confusion, and life for our emptiness. Like Nicodemus, we are called to be born again. Like the woman at the well, we are called to drink deeply of living water.

This Gospel reminds us that Jesus is not distant — He is the Word made flesh, the voice that still calls our name.

Challenge for the Week

Read through John 1–10 this week. As you do, ask God to reveal one “I AM” statement that speaks directly to your season of life. Let it become your anchor, your comfort, and your reminder that the Word still lives and speaks today.