JOHN’S PROLOGUE #1 : LOGOS, LIFE AND LIGHT: MAIN STUDY
READING SCRIPTURE THROUGH THE CRUCIFIED AND FORGIVING CHRIST
Objective
To understand John's vision of Jesus as the word/Logos through whom all things were made, and to discover that the deepest reality of creation is not conflict or domination but the life and light revealed in Christ.
Text: John 1:1–9
Enter The Story
Before there are disciples, miracles, or even a manger, John takes us back to the beginning. John deliberately echoes Genesis, but this is more than a retelling of creation. It is a creation story with Christ at its centre. John invites us to see creation itself through Jesus Christ. The Word/ logos is present before all things, bringing life and light into the world. Darkness exists, but from the very beginning, it is not the final word. This is not simply a story about the start of creation. It is a story about the One through whom all creation finds its meaning.
Questions
Why do you think John begins before creation rather than with Jesus' birth?
What images or emotions arise as you hear these opening verses?
What stands out most in this opening hymn?
Through The Eyes Of The Crucified
John presents the Prologue as a hymn, introducing the major themes that will unfold throughout the Gospel: life, light, darkness, witness, rejection, belief, and glory.
In some Greek thought, including Heraclitus, ‘logos’ or ‘the structuring principle of reality’ was understood through the tensions of conflict and war. John's Logos reveals a deeper reality grounded in self-giving love & nonviolence rather than rivalry or violence.
True life becomes visible when fear, accusation, andcretaliation no longer define human relationships
The light shines in the darkness, but never becomes darknessc itself. God's way of overcoming evil is not through mirroring evil in retaliation, but through co-suffering, forgiving love.
Questions
What difference does it make if reality is ultimately grounded in love rather than conflict? What does this say about God?
Why do you think John connects life and light so closely?
What does the Cross reveal about the character of the Logos?
How does Jesus challenge our assumptions about what true power looks like?
Discern Together
Much of human society assumes competition, fear, and conflict are unavoidable. John's Gospel offers a different vision of reality.
We often measure success by strength, control, or victory. The Gospel reveals a God whose power is expressed through powerlessness & self-giving love.
The themes introduced here continue throughout the Gospel as people either move toward the light or resist it.
Questions
Where do we see conflict treated as normal or necessary today?
Where do you see signs of light breaking into darkness in your community?
How might this passage reshape our understanding of what is truly powerful?
Practice Peacemaking
Identify one relationship where competition, comparison, or resentment has taken root and pray for that person each day.
Practice choosing cooperation over competition in one situation.
Take time each day to notice signs of life and light around you.
Reach out to someone who has positively shaped your life and thank them for being a source of light.
Look for one opportunity to serve someone without recognition or reward.
Receive Peace
Imagine the light of Christ shining gently into places of fear, confusion, or weariness within you.
Receive the assurance that darkness is real, but it is never ultimate.
Prayer
"Lord Jesus, Word through whom all things were made,
Open our eyes to see your light within creation.
Where we have learned to trust conflict, teach us the way of peace.
Where darkness seems overwhelming, remind us that your light still shines.
Form us into people who reflect your life and love in the world.”
Amen.