Sermon John Chapter 1

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[2] The title of the sermon today is “JOHN CHAPTER 1.”

The Apostle John Is The Author Of The Book Of John

• The author of the Book of John is the Apostle John. He was the son of Zebedee. His brother was James.
• This is not the same John as John the Baptist. They are different people.

[3] Matthew 4:21-22 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

• The apostle John left everything behind and followed Jesus. He was a disciple of Jesus or a follower.

[4] Matthew 26:36-37 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

• The apostle John was very, very close to Jesus Christ. He is known as the “disciple that Jesus loved.”
• This doesn’t mean that Jesus didn’t love the other disciples. It simply means that he loved John.

[5] John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

[6] John 21:24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

• So, we know the Apostle John was greatly loved by Jesus Christ. “His testimony is true.”
• The apostle John also wrote the Book of Revelation. With that said, let’s start in verse 1 of John Chapter 1.

[7] John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

• We know that Jesus Christ is the Word of God.

[8] Revelation 19:11-13 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

• The Word was in the beginning. The Word was with God. The Word was God.
• Obviously, there’s more than 1 person in God.
• So many false religions hate John 1:1 so much they try to change it.
• A friend in college who was a Jehovah’s Witness tried to show me how the translation is wrong.
• No, the translation is perfect. Jesus is the Son of God and he is God. He was WITH GOD in the beginning.
• He was with God the Father, and he was with the Holy Spirit.

[9] Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

• Who created the heaven and the earth? God. That means God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
• The word God right there in Genesis 1:1 is a plural word. There’s more than 1 person in God.
• The plural word for God is uses 2,606 times in the Old Testament. The singular form is used 56 times.
• In other words, GOD is a plural GOD. One God in 3 persons. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
• You’ll find that the Book of John teaches us this over and over and over again.
• Actually, you can’t read the Book of John, believe what it says, and not believe that God is a triune God.
• We see that starting in verse number 1. Many people don’t believe that Jesus is God.
• But they profess to believe what the Bible says. “THE WORD WAS GOD.” Is Jesus God? Yes.

Jesus Is The Word Of God And He Is God Almighty

[10] Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

• Jesus is the Son of God and he is God. It’s really that simple. He has a Father who is God.
• We could go on for days and days with all the proof within the Bible, but let’s move to John 1 verse 2.

[11] John 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.

• If John 1:1 wasn’t enough to prove Jesus was WITH GOD in the beginning, there’s verse 2.
• Everyone likes to try to change John 1:1, but what about John 1:2? They’ll have to change the whole Bible.
• And that’s what they do. They come up with their own books and they ignore the word of God.

[12] John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

• Jesus Christ is the creator. He is God. “All things were made by him.”
• That means he wasn’t created. ALL THINGS means ALL THINGS. That means he isn’t a creation.
• If he were, he would be a part of ALL THINGS. “And without him was not any thing made that was made.”
• All things were made by Jesus Christ. Nothing was made without Jesus Christ.
• The heaven, the earth, the angels, the host of the heaven, the sun, moon, starts, men, women, children, animals, dogs, cats, insects, fish, whales, everything. Oxygen, light, water.

[13] John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

• Jesus Christ is the only way to everlasting life. Without Jesus Christ, there is no life. There’s only death.
• So, how do you receive life? How do you receive the light of men? You simply ask the one who owns it.
• If you want get something to eat, you don’t go to the doctor’s office and order a steak and potato.
• If you’re sick, you don’t go to a restaurant and ask the waiter for an exam to see what sickness you have.
• If you want everlasting life, you go straight to the owner of that everlasting life and ask him for it.

[14] John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

• If you’re alive right now, Jesus Christ gave you this life. If you want to continue forever, go to Jesus.
• Simply believe that Jesus Christ can save you, and he says he’ll do it. He says believe in him to save you.
• If you do, he says you will never die. We’re all sinners and that makes us dead.
• We need Jesus to forgive us of our sin so that we can live. Ask and you shall receive. Go to him.
• He is the resurrection and the life. He is the light of men.

[15] John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

• When you’re in the darkness, it’s difficult to comprehend the light. I’ve been there.
• I didn’t want to hear what the Bible had to say because it was the light. I loved the darkness.
• If you can’t see and hear the words of the Bible, simply change your mind and believe on Jesus.
• Once you do that, you’ll have the light living within you. You’ll now have the ability to comprehend.

[16] John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

• This is not the author of the Book of John. This is talking about John the Baptist.
• The apostle John is the son of Zebedee. John the Baptist is the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth.

[17] Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

• So now we’re talking about John the Baptist. Let’s see what John the Baptist does in John Chapter 1.

[18] John 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

• John the Baptist comes to bear witness of Jesus Christ.
• John the Baptist is about 6 months older than Jesus Christ according to Luke Chapter 1.
• He’s leading the way for the first coming of Jesus Christ. John comes to bear witness of the Light.
• “That all men through him might believe.” Jesus came so all MEN of all time might believe and be saved.
• Jesus didn’t come for just a select group of people. He came for ALL MEN. He wants all to be saved.
• And the definition of man is male and female. He wants all to be saved.

[19] John 1:8-9 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

• John the Baptist was not that light. He was not the Savior. The true light gives life.
• If you’re alive, your life was given to you by Jesus Christ. He is the creator. He is God.
• He lit your way into this life, and he can light your way into eternal life. You can accept Jesus or not.

[20] John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

• If you won’t believe on Jesus alone to save you, you will abide in darkness. Death and hell awaits.
• If you simply change your mind and believe on Jesus to save you, you will abide in the light forever.
• And notice what we’ve seen so far in the Book of John. Being saved has nothing to do with baptism.
• It’s all about believing on the Lord Jesus Christ to save you. “Whosoever believeth on me,” Jesus says.

The World Was Made By Jesus Christ

[21] John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

• Jesus made the world. He is the creator. He came to earth. He was in the world.
• And yet, the world knew him not. It’s a very sad thing that world today doesn’t know Jesus.
• All of creation speaks of Jesus Christ. Look in the mirror and ask yourself, “How did I get here?”
• “Was it by chance? Did I just get lucky? How was I given life on this earth? How did the earth get here?”
• Hey, it was all made possible by your Creator and your Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
• He chose you and gave you this life. You must be important. Wake up and seek your Creator.

[22] John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

• Jesus came to the children of Israel. He came to them first.
• Jesus is throughout the entire Old Testament. He’s there. He spoke directly with the children of Israel.
• His own people had a great advantage over the others.

[23] Romans 3:1-2 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

• He gave messages to them directly. He spoke to them directly. He showed himself to be God.

[24] Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

• Jesus is the King of the Jews, and his own received him not.
• Even today, the religion of Judaism, hates Jesus Christ. They’ll tell you. His own received him not.
• In fact, they hated him so much they killed him on the cross.

[25] Acts 3:13-15 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

• Jesus is the prince of life. His own people killed the prince of life. But he is the prince of life. He’s back.
• Not all rejected the Lord Jesus Christ, though.

[26] John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

• Receive Jesus as your Savior, and you become part of his family. All you have to do is believe he is God.
• You simply believe he has the power to save you from death and hell. Only God could do that.
• At the moment you believe, you’re born of God. Not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor the will of man.
• Do you know what that says? SALVATION is not of works. Changing your mind and believing is not a work.
• You aren’t born again through the will of your flesh.
• In other words, you can work all your life to make it to heaven, and you’ll never make it by working.
• You can only make it through God. And God says it’s not of works. It is the gift of God.
• Again, verse 12 says, “even to them that BELIEVE ON HIS NAME.” That’s the only requirement.

[27] John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

• Jesus Christ was made flesh. He wasn’t created. But he came to earth as God in the flesh.
• He dwelt among us just as he was one of us. He was in a human body just like ours right now.
• Jesus is eternal. He has always been Jesus. He has always been the Son of God.
• Jesus was born of a virgin named Mary. Her husband was Joseph.

[28] Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

• People assumed Joseph was the father of Jesus, but he wasn’t. God is the Father of Jesus.
• But, Joseph is the son of David from the side of King Solomon.
• Mary is the daughter of David from the side of David’s other son Nathan.
• There are many generations from Jesus Christ to King David. But Jesus has the right to the throne.
• Remember, Jesus is the King of the Jews. Both Joseph and Mary are from King David’s line.

[29] Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

• The proof that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is in the resurrection from the dead.
• He died on the cross, he was buried in his body, his flesh did not see corruption, he arose on the third day.
• He was in his body. He ate and drank in his newly glorified body. He proved he was in his body.
• John 1:14 says that “we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father.”
• Begotten of the Father means that God the Father raised up Jesus from the dead.
• Jesus Christ is the ONLY ONE who will ever go to hell and be raised living from death and hell.
• The soul of Jesus Christ went to hell. The Bible says so. Jesus is the only begotten of the Father.

[30] Acts 13:33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

• Jesus is the only begotten Son of God because God raised him from the dead.
• The day Jesus was begotten is the day he was raised from the dead. And he is full of grace and truth.
• The end of John 1:14 says so. If Jesus wasn’t full of grace and truth, we’d be in trouble.
• He gives grace meaning he gives us something we don’t deserve.
• You might think you need things in this life. But you really only need the grace of Jesus Christ.
• You might think you’re going through tough times, but the grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient for you.

[31] 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

• All we need to do is seek Jesus Christ. If the power of Christ rests upon you, you don’t need anything else.

John The Baptist Cries Out About Jesus!

[32] John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

• Listen, John Chapter 1 is amazing. The entire Book of John is amazing.
• John the Baptist bare witness of Jesus Christ. He cried out with a loud voice saying:
• “This is he that I told you about. He came after me, but is preferred before me, and he was before me.”
• What’s that tell you? How does someone come after John but was actually before John?
• This is the Son of God and God Almighty. He was born in the flesh after John the Baptist.
• But he is eternal. He was before John, but was born into the flesh after John.
• John is making the way for the introduction of Jesus Christ.

[33] John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

• We have received of his fullness of grace and truth. If you’re saved, you have received grace.
• Grace simply means that Jesus gives you something you don’t deserve. How do you receive his grace?

[34] Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

• Do we access the grace of Jesus Christ by getting baptized? Repenting of sin? Speaking in babble?
• No, we access his grace by faith. And yes, it’s faith alone that saves you in a moment.
• Just a tiny bit of faith, 100% trust in Jesus Christ, will give you everlasting life. It’s that powerful.

[35] John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

• God gave the law to Moses and the law given “BY” Moses. 1) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
• 2) Thou shalt not make unto thee ANY graven image. 3) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain.
• 4) Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. 5) Honor thy father and mother. 6) Thou shalt not kill.
• 7) Thou shalt not commit adultery. 8) Thou shalt not steal. 9) Thou shalt not bear false witness.
• 10) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, wife, servant, ox, ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.
• There’s no one on this earth that hasn’t broken many of the ten commandments. We’re all guilty.

[36] Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

• I know 100% for sure that there isn’t one person who isn’t guilty because the Bible says so.
• I’m definitely guilty. I’ve broken many of the ten commandments, and I deserve death and hell.
• “All the world may become guilty before God. By the law, there shall no flesh be justified.”
• Even the almighty “Christians” of this world who do no wrong are guilty. Yes, they are guilty.

[37] Romans 5:20-21 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

• Just as the end of John 1:17 says, “BUT grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” I’m glad that “BUT” is there.
• I’m so glad that grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. We thank Jesus today for coming and dying for us.

[38] John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

• No man hath seen God the Father AT ANY TIME. The only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, hat declared him.
• Obviously, people have seen Jesus. Obviously, Jesus is not God the Father.
• No man hath seen God the Father. God is 3 persons in ONE GOD. The Father, The Son, The Holy Ghost.

[39] John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

• John the Baptist was a GREAT PREACHER. He was known.
• Even the Jews sent priests and Levites to find out who he was. “WHO ARE THOU?”

[40] John 1:20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

• Most preachers love the fame and take advantage of it for great riches.
• John the Baptist was in the wilderness. He ate locusts and honey. He didn’t care about fame and riches.

There Has Been No Greater Man Than John The Baptist

[41] Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

• There has never been a greater man than John the Baptist born of women.
• They asked John the Baptist if he was the Christ. He could have been evil, but he wasn’t.
• That’s why God chose John the Baptist to lead the way for Jesus. He said, “I AM NOT THE CHRIST.”

[42] John 1:21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

• The Jews believed that Elias or Elijah would come before the Savior. So they ask him:
• “If you aren’t the Christ, are you Elijah. Are you that prophet that comes before the Savior.”
• John the Baptist says, “No, I’m not that either.”

[43] John 1:22-24 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

• The Pharisees sent these people to see who John the Baptist was and to question him. John says:
• “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.”
• Jesus tells us more about John the Baptist in Matthew Chapter 11.

[44] Matthew 11:7-8 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

• John the Baptist wasn’t in soft clothing. He was rough. He was out in the wilderness.

[45] Matthew 11:9-10 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

• John the Baptist is more than a prophet. He is the messenger of Jesus Christ. He prepares the way.
• John the Baptist is not Elijah because he said he wasn’t Elijah.
• He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord.”

[46] Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

• The prophecy in Isaiah Chapter 40 is fulfilled with John the Baptist. The good news is here.
• John the Baptist is telling these Pharisee messengers that he is preparing the way of the Lord.
• That should tell them that the Lord is coming soon. The Pharisees profess to know the Bible well.

[47] John 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

• The Pharisees constantly question God’s people throughout the Bible.
• They ask, “By whom gave you authority to do this? Who do you think you are, John?”
• “If you aren’t the Christ, nor Elias, and you aren’t that prophet, what do you think you’re doing?”
• They did the same to Jesus Christ.

[48] Matthew 21:23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

• “Who do you think you are, Jesus? We’re the CHIEF PRIESTS and THE ELDERS of the people.”
• You get these worldly men and women who think they are the authority.
• “Josh, what do you think you’re doing preaching up there?”
• Hey, I won’t shut up until God tells me to shut up. I will preach the word of God with all that I have.
• Do you know why? Because God is my boss. He told us to preach the word of God. And I’ll do it.
• That’s what John the Baptist was doing, and no one was going to stop him.

[49] John 1:26-27 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

• He tells them again, “There’s someone who stands among you who is coming after me.”
• “But he is preferred before me. I’m not even worthy to unloose his shoe latchet.”
• Do you see how John understands that he is nothing compared to the Lord Jesus Christ.
• We all need to understand that. John is preaching to these people. He’s telling them the truth.

[50] John 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

• Bethabara is beyond the Jordan River. John baptized people in the Jordan River.

[51]

• In John Chapter 10, we see Jesus go back to Bethabara after escaping from the Jews.

[52] John 10:39-42 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, 40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. 41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. 42 And many believed on him there.

• This Bethabara place was a great place because many people were saved there by believing on Jesus.

[53] John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

• That right there is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. The very next day Jesus came.
• You didn’t have to wait long for Jesus to show up. John was preaching that he was coming.
• But they didn’t know how long it would be. Well, it was the very next day. Awesome.
• John sees Jesus walking this way and says:
• “BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD which taketh away the sin of the world.” Jesus is the Lamb of God.
• He is the sacrifice for all sins. He is the burnt offering that takes away all sin. He took your sin to hell.

Works Do Not Take Away Your Sin

You can’t do any work of your own to take your sin away. You can’t. What are you going to do?

• The churches preach that you must be baptized, repent of your sin, turn from all your sin.
• Guess what? You can’t turn from all your sin. You can’t stop sinning. You won’t stop sinning.
• Can you get better? Yes, but you can’t turn from all your sin. I don’t even know what that means.
• “Well, you have to be willing to stop sinning. You have to turn from it.” What does that mean?
• No, YOU TURNING FROM SIN doesn’t take away your sin. The Lamb of God takes away sin. That’s it.
• Jesus is THE only way to be saved from your sin. He takes away your sin. Call upon HIM. Not you.

[54] 1 Peter 1:19-21 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

• What must you to do to be saved? Put your faith and hope in God, and you’re saved.
• Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Lamb of God, and he will save you from your sins.

[55] John 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

• John says, “HEY, EVERYONE LOOK. This is that man I spoke about. He is the SAVIOR.”
• He is preferred before me and he was before me. John was born before Jesus.
• But, obviously, Jesus is God because John says this man was BEFORE me.

[56] John 1:31-33 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

• John didn’t know Jesus was the Savior until he saw the Spirit descend upon him.
• John had already baptized Jesus at this point. His baptism isn’t shown in the book of John.
• We see John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in water in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

[57] Matthew 3:16-17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

• John came baptizing with water, but Jesus comes baptizing with the Holy Ghost.
• When you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, the gift of the Holy Ghost is given to you.

[58] John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

• This doesn’t mean you must be baptized with water to be saved.
• This means you must be born of water. You’re in a sack of water as a baby.
• THE WATER BREAKS. You’re born of water. What must you be born of to be saved?
• You must be born of the SPIRIT. You must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive that Spirit.
• Some people might ask, “Well, why was John baptizing with water?”

[59] Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

• John the Baptist preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
• False preachers will use that verse to say you must repent of your sins and be baptized in water.
• And then you will receive remission of sins. They say, “See!!! That’s what John the Baptist preached.”
• No, he didn’t preach that you must repent of your sin and be baptized in water to be saved.
• You need to understand what baptism of repentance means. The Bible tells us directly what it means.

[60] Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

• So, what was John the Baptist preaching? He was preaching to believe on him that comes after John.
• John the Baptist said, “I am not the Christ, but he is coming soon after me.”
• John the Baptist was preaching they should change their mind and believe on the Lord who is coming.
• John baptized the people in water that believed on the Lord who is coming after John the Baptist.
• Baptism in water doesn’t forgive your sins. But yes, you should be baptized AFTER you believe on Jesus.

[61] John 1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

• John was told that he would see the Spirit descending upon THE SAVIOR. He saw it with his eyes.
• John the Baptist bares record that THIS IS THE SON OF GOD. John saw Jesus with his own eyes.
• He didn’t see God the Father. No man hath seen God. John saw the SON OF GOD, Jesus Christ.

[62] John 1:35-36 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

• John had disciples following him. John told them, “I am not the Christ.”
• Again, John says, “BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD.” Some of John’s disciples wanted to magnify John.
• We see that in John Chapter 3. But John the Baptist continuously says, “I am not him.”
• “He must increase, but I must decrease.” We must understand that Jesus must increase. Not us.
• Everything we do needs to point to Jesus Christ. EVERYTHING. He must increase.

[63] John 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

• So, these 2 disciples listened to John. He says, “Behold, this is THE Lamb of God.”
• These 2 disciples were smart. They understood what John was saying. Don’t follow me.
• You need to follow the Lamb of God. He is the one that takes away the sin of the world. Not me.
• These 2 disciples followed after Jesus and not John the Baptist. Now that’s smart.

Jesus Is God And No Man Will Ever Be God

John the Baptist was just a man. Jesus Christ is God. Same thing in your life.

• Same thing should be preached in churches, and it’s not. Preachers and Pastors want followers.
• They want followers for themselves. No, they need to be preaching to follow the Word of God.
• And yes, that means following the words within the Bible. That’s how you find the truth.
• John the Baptist told his followers to stop following me and follow Jesus Christ.

[64] John 1:38-39 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

• Those 2 disciples of John follow Jesus. Jesus says, “What seek ye?” They said, “Master.”
• That’s telling Jesus that he now has 2 disciples following him. “Where do you live, Jesus?”
• He says, “Come with me. Come and see.” That’s an invitation to follow him. And they did.
• That happened about the tenth hour of the day or 10 hours from 6:00 AM or about 4:00 PM.
• Who are the two disciples that followed Jesus? Well, we find out who one of those were in the next verse.

[65] John 1:40-41 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

• One of the two followers of John the Baptist who then followed Jesus was Andrew.
• He was actively searching for the Messiah, the Savior. Why? The Old Testament talks about the Messiah.
• If you were studying and reading the Scriptures, you should be seeking after the Messiah. Andrew was.
• Andrew goes and finds his brother Simon Peter. He says, “We have found THE Christ.”
• I hope you’re like Andrew that day. I hope you’re in the Bible where the true CHRIST is located.
• And I hope you can say today, “I HAVE FOUND THE CHRIST.” Jesus alone is your Savior.

[66] John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

• Andrew takes his brother Simon Peter or Peter as we know him and brings him to see Jesus.
• When Jesus saw Peter, he says, “Thou art Simon the son of Jona. You will be called Cephas.”
• Cephas means stone or rock. In the Bible, we see Peter called Simon Peter.
• Simon Bar-jona, Simon son of Jonas, and Cephas.

[67] Matthew 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

• The rock who Jesus will build his church upon is Peter or Cephas which means rock.

[68] John 1:43-44 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

• The next day Jesus goes into Galilee. He finds another disciple named Philip.
• Phillip is from Bethsaida. Andrew and Peter are also from that same city.
• The city of Bethsaida isn’t found in today’s world. It’s not like Jerusalem.
• The ancient city of Bethsaida is shown on this map. It’s just above the Sea of Galilee.

[69]

• There are arguments over the location of this ancient city but most agree it’s in this general area.

[70]

• There are a couple of sites for this ancient city, but I wanted you to see it is in ruins now.
• Bethsaida is close to the Sea of Galilee and that makes sense. Andrew and Peter were fisherman.

[71] John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

• Philip of Bethsaida finds Nathanael. In John Chapter 21, we see Nathanael is from Cana of Galilee.
• Philip says, “Hey Nathanael, we’ve found Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
• “This is him of whom Moses in the law wrote about. This is him who the prophets wrote about.”
• So, yes, MOSES wrote about Jesus Christ in the law.

[72] Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

• Until “SHILOH” comes means until our rest comes. We rest in Jesus Christ.
• He is the lion of the tribe of Judah. “Unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”
• Jesus is seen all throughout the Books of Moses. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
• Jesus is seen all throughout the entire Bible from cover to cover.
• Philip says to Nathanael, “We found the Messiah. We found the Savior. He is Jesus of Nazareth.”

[73] Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

• Joseph and Mary went into a city called Nazareth with the very young Jesus.
• Why? Because King Herod’s son was reigning in Judea. God warned Joseph in a dream.
• And this happened so that which was spoken of the prophets, plural, would be fulfilled.
• “He shall be called a Nazarene.” And what did that mean to be called a Nazarene?
• Well, let’s see what the next verse in John Chapter 1 says. Verse 46.

[74] John 1:46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

• “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” So, a Nazarene is seen as a low person.
• That’s what the prophecies were concerning the Messiah. He wouldn’t be seen as this high person.

Jesus Christ Is Lowly And Came Out Of Nazareth

[75] Isaiah 53:2-3 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

[76] Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

• Jesus is lowly. He came out of Nazareth. “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Come and see.

[77] John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

• Nathanael comes to Jesus. Jesus sees him. He knows Nathanael already. He is Israelite.
• “In whom is no guile” means Nathanael wasn’t a deceiver. He was a sinner, but he didn’t deceive others.
• You shouldn’t try to deceive others with your words. Speak upright at all times. Speak the truth always.
• When Jesus looks at you, hopefully he says, “This man or this woman or this child in whom is no guile!”

[78] John 1:48-49 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

• Nathanael says, “How do you know me?” This is Jesus Christ we’re talking about.
• Jesus already knows everything about you. He is your creator. He knew you before you did.
• He already knows you’re going to mess up later, tomorrow, the next day.
• But he still came for you because you are greatly loved by Jesus Christ.

So Jesus proves to Nathanael that he already knows him.

• Before Philip even came to find Nathanael, he must have been under a fig tree.
• Jesus says, “I saw you under the fig tree.”
• We don’t know what happened under that tree, but it’s something that Nathanael knows.

[79] Psalm 139:2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

• Nathanael responds, “RABBI.” This means master, Lord, teacher. He submits to Jesus right there.
• He says, “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.”

[80] John 1:50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

• Jesus says, “You believe I’m the Son of God just because I said I saw you under the fig tree?”
• That’s faith right there. It didn’t take much for Nathanael to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

[81] John 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

• In the future, Nathanael will see much greater things.
• You will see heaven open and the angels of God descending upon the Son of man.
• We’re all going to witness the heavens open one day in the future.
• There’s going to be much greater things for us to see. And that’s what Jesus told Nathanael.

Let’s pray.