Teaching 1: John 1:1-18 (07/08/12 - 07/09/12)

Jesus' Final Introduction:
John is continuing a story that started "In the beginning (1:1)." This is a story that begins with God and the good work that he started. God is set on fixing the great evil and brokenness that has entered the world through humanity - we experience and participate in this darkness. The amazing reality is that Jesus is himself both God and man. Jesus understands what it is to grow up as a human and face rejection from the people around him (1:11). He made you, cares for you, and has come as a human person to fight for you, identify with you, and ultimately invite you into a perfect family that he already enjoys with the Father, Holy Spirit, and all the believers that have come before. This world needs a hero who can forgive and restore. The twist: we are not the heroes. In fact, nothing we bring to the table - our race, family, education, income, grades, athletic ability, nation, friends, church, knowledge, intelligence, or status - can get us in. There is nothing in our power that can make us "children of God (1:12)." The gospel takes root in our hearts "not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God (1:13)." There is another fact about becoming a child of God. Nothing we bring to the table - our shame, pride, evil thoughts, greed, self-centeredness, lust, doubt, fear, or brokenness - can keep us out. There is nothing you can bring to get you in, and there is nothing you can bring that will keep you out. This family is opened to us by the mercy of God in Christ. What amazingly Good News!

Take Home Questions:

1. Why is it important to us that God "became flesh"? Why does John write about it?
2. What are some words and images that John uses to link this story with the history of God's people on the Old Testament? Why does this matter?
3. How should the reality of God becoming fully man in Jesus the Messiah change the way we interact with the human beings around us, who are us made in His image? (See James 3:5-18)

Please contact me by phone or email if you have any questions, thoughts, prayer requests, or suggestions.

Blessings,

Dagan Mayfield

806.224.3148

dmayfield@cornerstonepca.org