The Backstory: The Prologue – Outline

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The Backstory: The Prologue

- OVERVIEW

This week, we will study the opening of John’s Gospel and learn about Jesus’ eternal existence as the Word. We’ll see how John describes Jesus as the Creator, how He became human, and what that means for us today. Through these passages, we will understand the divine nature of Jesus and how His story reaches beyond time and creation.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

John 1:1

KJV 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

CEV 1 In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God.

I T B W T W
A T W W W G
A T W W G

- Lesson

This week’s lesson starts at the beginning of John’s Gospel, where he talks about Jesus as the Word. John tells us that Jesus existed even before creation. He was with God and was God. This means that Jesus didn’t begin when He was born on Earth; He has always been with God, and through Him, everything was made.

John wants us to understand that Jesus’ story isn’t just about what happened when He was on Earth. His story goes back before the world was made. Jesus is the eternal Word who brings life and light to everyone who believes in Him.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus has always been close to God, even before time began. He is the eternal Son of God, and through Him, we can have the hope of eternal life. His divine nature gives us assurance that He is powerful enough to save us.

- Conclusion

John shows us that Jesus is more than just a human being; He is eternal, powerful, and divine, the Creator of everything.

- Reflection

Why is it important to know that Jesus existed before creation?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does knowing Jesus is eternal strengthen our faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – In the Beginning—The Divine Logos

- Lesson

Read John 1:1-5

KJV 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

CEV 1 In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. 2 From the very beginning the Word was with God. 3 And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created 4 received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone. 5 The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out.

John’s Gospel begins with the amazing truth that Jesus is the Word who was with God from the beginning and through whom all things were made. John uses the term "Word" to show that Jesus is the communication of God’s thoughts to humanity. In these verses, John explains that Jesus didn’t come into existence when He was born on Earth—He has always been there, even before creation.

John also tells us that Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. No matter how dark the world may seem, the light of Jesus can never be overcome. He is the source of life and light for all people.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus existed as the Son of God long before He came to Earth. He is the Creator of all things, and His divine nature is what makes Him able to save us. Jesus' life was not given to Him by anyone; He had life within Himself, and this life is what He offers to us.

- Conclusion

Through Jesus, the Word, we can understand God. He brings light and life to all who believe in Him.

- Reflection

What does it mean that Jesus is the Word?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is Jesus called the Light that shines in the darkness?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – The Word Made Flesh

- Lesson

Read the following passages:

John 1:1-3

KJV 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

CEV 1 In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. 2 From the very beginning the Word was with God. 3 And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created

John 1:14

KJV 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.

CEV 14 The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From him the complete gifts of undeserved grace and truth have come down to us.

John tells us that the Word, who was with God and was God, became flesh and lived among us. This means that Jesus, who created the world, stepped into His creation and became a human being. He left the glory of Heaven to live a humble life on Earth, showing us God’s love.

When Jesus became human, He didn’t stop being God. He was still fully divine, but He chose to live as one of us. This shows us just how much God loves us. He was willing to become like us so that He could save us from sin.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus, while still fully God, took on human form so that He could save us. He lived a life of poverty and service, but His divine nature was always with Him. His humanity allows Him to understand our struggles, and His divinity gives Him the power to save us.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ decision to become human shows us how much He loves us. He became like us so that He could bring us back to God.

- Reflection

Why did Jesus become human?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus being human help us understand God’s love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – Hearing or Not Hearing the Word

- Lesson

Read John 1:9-13

KJV 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 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.

CEV 9 The true light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10 The Word was in the world, but no one knew him, though God had made the world with his Word. 11 He came into his own world, but his own nation did not welcome him. 12 Yet some people accepted him and put their faith in him. So he gave them the right to be the children of God. 13 They were not God's children by nature or because of any human desires. God himself was the one who made them his children.

Jesus came into the world to bring light and life, but not everyone accepted Him. Some people rejected Him, even though He was their Creator. But for those who received Him and believed in His name, Jesus gave them the right to become children of God.

This passage shows us that while some people may choose to reject Jesus, others will welcome Him and be part of God’s family. Believing in Jesus is the key to becoming a child of God.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus is the true light that shows us the way to God. But not everyone wants to follow that light. Those who believe in Jesus and follow His light will find life, while those who reject Him will remain in darkness.

- Conclusion

Jesus offers everyone the chance to become a child of God. But it’s up to us to decide if we will accept Him.

- Reflection

What happens when we believe in Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why do some people reject Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – Belief and Unbelief

- Lesson

Read John 3:16-21

KJV 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

CEV 16 God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. 17 God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them! 18 No one who has faith in God's Son will be condemned. But everyone who doesn't have faith in him has already been condemned for not having faith in God's only Son. 19 The light has come into the world, and people who do evil things are judged guilty because they love the dark more than the light. 20 People who do evil hate the light and won't come to the light, because it clearly shows what they have done. 21 But everyone who lives by the truth will come to the light, because they want others to know that God is really the one doing what they do.

One of the main themes in John’s Gospel is the difference between belief and unbelief. Those who believe in Jesus are saved, while those who refuse to believe stay in darkness. John explains that Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world but to save it. However, some people choose to stay in the dark because they don’t want their deeds exposed to the light.

In this passage, John tells us that believing in Jesus is more than just knowing who He is. It means trusting Him, following Him, and letting His light guide our lives.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that believing in Jesus is not just about knowing facts; it’s about letting His light change our lives. Those who believe will walk in the light, while those who refuse to believe stay in darkness.

- Conclusion

When we believe in Jesus, we come into the light, and our lives are changed. Jesus saves us when we put our trust in Him.

- Reflection

What does it mean to believe in Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why do some people choose not to believe in Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – Glory Revealed

- Lesson

Read John 17:1-5

KJV 1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

CEV 1 After Jesus had finished speaking to his disciples, he looked up toward heaven and prayed: Father, the time has come for you to bring glory to your Son, in order that he may bring glory to you. 2 And you gave him power over all people, so he would give eternal life to everyone you give him. 3 Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent. 4 I have brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, give me back the glory I had with you before the world was created.

When Jesus spoke of His glory, He was talking about His death on the cross. Even though the cross seemed like a place of shame and defeat, it was where Jesus’ love and power were shown most clearly. Through His death, Jesus brought glory to God and provided a way for us to be saved.

Jesus’ glory is not about human power or fame. It’s about His love for us, shown through His willingness to die for our sins.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus’ greatest act of glory was when He died on the cross. Through His death, He showed the world God’s love and opened the way for us to be saved.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ death on the cross shows us the depth of His love for us. His glory is revealed through His sacrifice.

- Reflection

How did Jesus bring glory to God through His death?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is the cross the greatest display of Jesus’ glory?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

This week, we have learned that Jesus is the eternal Word who became human to save us. Through His death on the cross, Jesus showed the greatest love possible. His sacrifice is what makes it possible for us to have eternal life with God.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus’ love is beyond understanding. His death on the cross is the clearest example of His love for us, and through it, we can be saved.

- Conclusion

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross shows us how much He loves us and how far He is willing to go to save us.

- Reflection

What does the cross teach us about God’s love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we show our love for Jesus in return?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How does knowing Jesus is the Creator strengthen our understanding of salvation?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to understand that Jesus is both human and divine?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

The Backstory: The Prologue

This week, we learned that Jesus is the eternal Word who became human to save us. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we can see God’s love for us and His plan for our salvation. Jesus’ divinity and humanity are both important because they show us that He has the power to save and the understanding to love us deeply.