The name John in its original form is, in Hebrew: Yochanan. Yochanan means "God is gracious." The book of Yochanan is a reflection of God's grace; it is a beautiful, luminous book. It enlightens our faith and encourages us to grow stronger and more perceptive in God's wisdom. It is the last of the Gospels and therefore solidifies and enhances all that we have been taught from Matthew, Mark and Luke. John was beloved by God, entrusted to write not only this gospel but also the massively informative and detailed Book of Revelation (which we journey toward in our study).
Even from John's opening verse, he conveys to us the magnitude of our creator, Who so loves His compassionate children. Each person gets to define for themselves how they perceive God: some people believe in an anthropomorphic God and others in a more spiritual or pantheistic God. Humans so often become fixated on descriptions of God but the only important thing to remember is what your God stands for (and not what He/It/She looks like). God knows you based on the character of your soul and because it's so important to Him (rather than your looks) He makes it clear that we should recognize Him the same way: based on the character of His soul.
For agnostics and atheists I think "Science" and "Religion" are two separate things that cannot be converged. For spiritual students, people who understand the deeper meaning superseding the rigidity of religion, it's easy to see how science is the explanation of just how intelligent a spiritual God is. Rather than a magician, God (however one perceives the manifestation) is the creator of science: He's The Scientist, The Mathematician,... the Divinely wise creator who sets life in motion with calculation.
On this study blog, God will often be referred to as such: "God" and also "He." The use of "He" is for convenience. The God I have come to know is pantheistic, more amazing than can be comprehended: gender-less, brilliantly wise, a spiritual manifestation which is difficult for us to understand while we are on earth. It's difficult to define and yet each of us is entirely aware of the "soul" within us and I believe God is made of the same inexplicable substance as that.
Even from John's opening verse, he conveys to us the magnitude of our creator, Who so loves His compassionate children. Each person gets to define for themselves how they perceive God: some people believe in an anthropomorphic God and others in a more spiritual or pantheistic God. Humans so often become fixated on descriptions of God but the only important thing to remember is what your God stands for (and not what He/It/She looks like). God knows you based on the character of your soul and because it's so important to Him (rather than your looks) He makes it clear that we should recognize Him the same way: based on the character of His soul.
For agnostics and atheists I think "Science" and "Religion" are two separate things that cannot be converged. For spiritual students, people who understand the deeper meaning superseding the rigidity of religion, it's easy to see how science is the explanation of just how intelligent a spiritual God is. Rather than a magician, God (however one perceives the manifestation) is the creator of science: He's The Scientist, The Mathematician,... the Divinely wise creator who sets life in motion with calculation.
On this study blog, God will often be referred to as such: "God" and also "He." The use of "He" is for convenience. The God I have come to know is pantheistic, more amazing than can be comprehended: gender-less, brilliantly wise, a spiritual manifestation which is difficult for us to understand while we are on earth. It's difficult to define and yet each of us is entirely aware of the "soul" within us and I believe God is made of the same inexplicable substance as that.
1:1-2 John opens our minds to comprehending the magnitude of God. The word of God is the description of who He is, (and also the explanation of why He is these things): humility, compassion, light. God is humility, compassion and light and He also holds those things in His hands for the universe, for humanity, for all creation.
1:3 We can take comfort in the fact that all of life was created by God. Ourselves, our planet, the universe around us: all of it was made by the same compassionate spirit. There is no competing force, no alternate source.
1:4 This spirit had creation within and with this ability to wisely inspire life, humans received their souls.
1:5 Light (the manifestation of pure compassion, humility and wisdom) bursts to life eliminating, illuminating the darkness and darkness (that contrary to compassion, humility and wisdom) has no strength, no intelligence against it.
1:3 We can take comfort in the fact that all of life was created by God. Ourselves, our planet, the universe around us: all of it was made by the same compassionate spirit. There is no competing force, no alternate source.
1:4 This spirit had creation within and with this ability to wisely inspire life, humans received their souls.
1:5 Light (the manifestation of pure compassion, humility and wisdom) bursts to life eliminating, illuminating the darkness and darkness (that contrary to compassion, humility and wisdom) has no strength, no intelligence against it.
1:6 Here we are introduced to the soul who manifested as the human: John. John was sent to earth by God in order to propel humanity toward an understanding of their Creator.
1:7 John came forth into the world to personally proclaim the existence and the character of the Light (a description of God). John's purpose was to be a vessel through which God's compassion could spread into and throughout the world.
1:8 Although entrusted with such an amazing task, John was not the manifestation of the Light (not a manifestation of God) but was/is a soul who could proclaim a personal account of God.
1:9 The distinction is made clear: God is the Light (Life) who is capable of putting light (life) into human's... therefore putting a soul in their bodies. Making human animate with personality and character.
1:10 God's fingerprints, so to speak, are all throughout the world. Everything was creating and set in motion by Him... although He isn't visible, His spirit is throughout all nature and life and yet so many billions of humans are unsure of His existence/presence. Metaphorically speaking: this verse alludes to the fact that in those times (and even now) humans are not aware of the compassionate spirit which gave them life. Many humans are off-track, not realizing they are a product of kindness and that only kindness should be spread into the world.
1:12 Despite the fact that many humans are flawed, God wants each of us to have the opportunity to accept our place in His family as His children. By believing in Him, we make our own proclamation that we agree with what He stands for: compassion, humility, truth. To God, our DNA is our actions. When our actions are good -- we show that we have the same DNA as God, thereby defining us as His children.
1:13 This verse explains that humans could not come into existence on their own -- how could they? How can nothing make something? It's a very deep subject but essentially this verse explains that our Creator made our existence possible. No, not like a magician, but as The Scientist.
The first element of life did not come into existence just by REALLY wanting to... we know that REALLY wanting things does not bring them into existence. Something has to create the opportunity. God created our opportunity for life, He's the brilliant scientist behind this operation.
1:7 John came forth into the world to personally proclaim the existence and the character of the Light (a description of God). John's purpose was to be a vessel through which God's compassion could spread into and throughout the world.
1:8 Although entrusted with such an amazing task, John was not the manifestation of the Light (not a manifestation of God) but was/is a soul who could proclaim a personal account of God.
1:9 The distinction is made clear: God is the Light (Life) who is capable of putting light (life) into human's... therefore putting a soul in their bodies. Making human animate with personality and character.
1:10 God's fingerprints, so to speak, are all throughout the world. Everything was creating and set in motion by Him... although He isn't visible, His spirit is throughout all nature and life and yet so many billions of humans are unsure of His existence/presence. Metaphorically speaking: this verse alludes to the fact that in those times (and even now) humans are not aware of the compassionate spirit which gave them life. Many humans are off-track, not realizing they are a product of kindness and that only kindness should be spread into the world.
1:12 Despite the fact that many humans are flawed, God wants each of us to have the opportunity to accept our place in His family as His children. By believing in Him, we make our own proclamation that we agree with what He stands for: compassion, humility, truth. To God, our DNA is our actions. When our actions are good -- we show that we have the same DNA as God, thereby defining us as His children.
1:13 This verse explains that humans could not come into existence on their own -- how could they? How can nothing make something? It's a very deep subject but essentially this verse explains that our Creator made our existence possible. No, not like a magician, but as The Scientist.
The first element of life did not come into existence just by REALLY wanting to... we know that REALLY wanting things does not bring them into existence. Something has to create the opportunity. God created our opportunity for life, He's the brilliant scientist behind this operation.
1:14 This verse speaks of Jesus -- Jesus, the manifestation of what the Word teaches, indeed was born into the earth. Jesus was glorious because He was full of grace and truth, we know that after reading the previous gospels and also from feeling it in our own lives as we develop our relationship with God.
1:15 John explains that even though he, John, was born first, Jesus is greater than him because of how truly perfect in wisdom, compassion and humility He is. John is explaining His belief in God and Jesus -- I think it's important to highlight that humans are often so caught up on details... which prophet came when and which was the best... God wants our primary focus to be on COMPASSION. God wants us to be kind and selfless and wise in spirit. Religion does not define the human, the human's actions and thoughts define the human. There are many roads toward God and therefore we should not judge or reject any of them -- we each take our own path and as long as that path is compassion for all, we're on the right one.
Jesus taught this message in essence Himself in Luke 9:46 -- Do not worry about who comes in first place! The soul who comes in first place is the humble, compassion, hard-working soul.
1:16 Jesus gave everything He is to His disciples and to the people of the world. He spared nothing: He gave His complete thought, time, energy, guidance, love and wisdom. He returned all of the love given to Him and then gave even more.
1:17 Moses, from early in the Old Testament, taught the guidance that God gives and he worked to help people choose to follow God... but the spiritual nature of God's wisdom did not truly unfold to a mass of people until Jesus. In the Old Testament, many people followed God but kept diverging from His path... Jesus came to encourage us to solidify our faith. He inspired people to have faith because His message was of compassion and wisdom. Jesus delivered a very unique and individual message to each of us.
1:18 Only Jesus has seen God and this is because so far, only Jesus is pure enough in faith and compassion to have the capability of doing so. A person cannot perceive something they do not understand -- Jesus understands God and perfectly aligns with Him, therefore He has the understanding with which to "view" God. To know Him completely, whatever His form is.
1:15 John explains that even though he, John, was born first, Jesus is greater than him because of how truly perfect in wisdom, compassion and humility He is. John is explaining His belief in God and Jesus -- I think it's important to highlight that humans are often so caught up on details... which prophet came when and which was the best... God wants our primary focus to be on COMPASSION. God wants us to be kind and selfless and wise in spirit. Religion does not define the human, the human's actions and thoughts define the human. There are many roads toward God and therefore we should not judge or reject any of them -- we each take our own path and as long as that path is compassion for all, we're on the right one.
Jesus taught this message in essence Himself in Luke 9:46 -- Do not worry about who comes in first place! The soul who comes in first place is the humble, compassion, hard-working soul.
1:16 Jesus gave everything He is to His disciples and to the people of the world. He spared nothing: He gave His complete thought, time, energy, guidance, love and wisdom. He returned all of the love given to Him and then gave even more.
1:17 Moses, from early in the Old Testament, taught the guidance that God gives and he worked to help people choose to follow God... but the spiritual nature of God's wisdom did not truly unfold to a mass of people until Jesus. In the Old Testament, many people followed God but kept diverging from His path... Jesus came to encourage us to solidify our faith. He inspired people to have faith because His message was of compassion and wisdom. Jesus delivered a very unique and individual message to each of us.
1:18 Only Jesus has seen God and this is because so far, only Jesus is pure enough in faith and compassion to have the capability of doing so. A person cannot perceive something they do not understand -- Jesus understands God and perfectly aligns with Him, therefore He has the understanding with which to "view" God. To know Him completely, whatever His form is.
1:19 John's testimony of God gathered quite a large group of people. He became so popular that the leaders of the cities and places he visited were eager to determine who, exactly he was.
1:20 John remained humble, even though he had inspired so much good and brought so much wisdom and compassion to people, he always made it clear that he was not Jesus.
1:21-23 They persisted in trying to identify him but John never proclaimed himself as a prophet or anything special, even though he was so special to God (in order to be given such a task, of course he was)! All John said regarding himself was the truth: that he was the man foretold in the days (and book) of Isaiah, the man who would teach of Jesus' coming.
1:24-25 Realize that these people asking the questions were adversaries of John (and also of Jesus and God). Their ruthless authority was weakened as John taught people to have courage and to place their faith in God (not these corrupt men) --- and they wanted their authority back.
These adversaries, after hearing from John that he was not a prophet, ask him on what authority he baptizes people. Remember that baptism is only symbolic of faith in God. Our actions reveal our actual, tangible faith and define how strong and compassionate it truly is. John was happy (also also instructed by God) to help people publicly symbolize their faith, but as is true even for us, we must BE compassionate people not simply just proclaim we are.
1:26 John makes it very clear that the baptism he performs is one of ceremony, of announcing faith but that another comes (Jesus) who will truly instruct people into putting their faith into action, therefore making the symbol of their faith (set into motion by John) the actual reality of their hearts, minds and lives.
1:27-28 John is not only humble but also explains to us how much he loves and respects Jesus and God. John reveals to us the absolute compassion of Jesus but explaining to us that even he, chosen and instructed by God, did not compare to Jesus' kindness.
1:20 John remained humble, even though he had inspired so much good and brought so much wisdom and compassion to people, he always made it clear that he was not Jesus.
1:21-23 They persisted in trying to identify him but John never proclaimed himself as a prophet or anything special, even though he was so special to God (in order to be given such a task, of course he was)! All John said regarding himself was the truth: that he was the man foretold in the days (and book) of Isaiah, the man who would teach of Jesus' coming.
1:24-25 Realize that these people asking the questions were adversaries of John (and also of Jesus and God). Their ruthless authority was weakened as John taught people to have courage and to place their faith in God (not these corrupt men) --- and they wanted their authority back.
These adversaries, after hearing from John that he was not a prophet, ask him on what authority he baptizes people. Remember that baptism is only symbolic of faith in God. Our actions reveal our actual, tangible faith and define how strong and compassionate it truly is. John was happy (also also instructed by God) to help people publicly symbolize their faith, but as is true even for us, we must BE compassionate people not simply just proclaim we are.
1:26 John makes it very clear that the baptism he performs is one of ceremony, of announcing faith but that another comes (Jesus) who will truly instruct people into putting their faith into action, therefore making the symbol of their faith (set into motion by John) the actual reality of their hearts, minds and lives.
1:27-28 John is not only humble but also explains to us how much he loves and respects Jesus and God. John reveals to us the absolute compassion of Jesus but explaining to us that even he, chosen and instructed by God, did not compare to Jesus' kindness.
1:29 When Jesus encounters John on earth, John's reaction is pure joy. Jesus being referred to as the Lamb of God signifies His purity of thought, compassion, humility, and His innocence. Jesus takes away the sin of the world by teaching people how not to be tempted or victimized by sin (greed and corruption in the world). He takes it away by showing people a better, more loving way of life. He has the patience and the wisdom to lead all humans through darkness and into the Light (love and life of God).
1:30-31 John explains that his entire mission and purpose on earth (directed and given by God) was to prepare for this entity: Jesus. Rather than a plan made by John himself, God sent John's soul first to prepare people for Jesus'. He was instructed by God and therefore he came, his own words. A mission and purpose from God is a blessed opportunity; a humbling experience and John was certainly blessed and humbled by his. John did not make this plan with Jesus beforehand, John got his guidance and his mission from God and he started it with complete faith in God.
1:32-34 John was given the wisdom to recognize Jesus on earth and as soon as Jesus comes and fulfills this prophesy, John proclaims it.
1:35-37 John's awe for Jesus does not dissipate -- he's fully aware of how kind and wise Jesus is, and happily introduces Him to his disciples. John taught the word of God and therefore had students who learned from God, through him.
1:38-39 Rich with faith, John's disciples immediately followed Jesus. To ensure that they were making a choice to follow Him, Jesus asks what their intention is. They reveal that their intention is simply to be with Him. That should be our intention to: to be with the entity who inspires and enforces compassion and wisdom. There's so much to learn from God (we learn from this book and also from life if we are observant).
1:40-42 Jesus recognizes all souls, He even knows the ancestry. Jesus is also perceptive. Jesus notices that one of the men is a descendant of Jonah (a prophet in the old testament) but more than that, Jesus notices that this man is full of kindness and faith and therefore gives him a nickname to reveal the strength of his faith.
1:38-39 Rich with faith, John's disciples immediately followed Jesus. To ensure that they were making a choice to follow Him, Jesus asks what their intention is. They reveal that their intention is simply to be with Him. That should be our intention to: to be with the entity who inspires and enforces compassion and wisdom. There's so much to learn from God (we learn from this book and also from life if we are observant).
1:40-42 Jesus recognizes all souls, He even knows the ancestry. Jesus is also perceptive. Jesus notices that one of the men is a descendant of Jonah (a prophet in the old testament) but more than that, Jesus notices that this man is full of kindness and faith and therefore gives him a nickname to reveal the strength of his faith.
1:43-45 The disciples begin to gather to follow Jesus.
1:46 The world was so corrupt at the time that some are skeptical that there is any good, such as this perfect goodness which was being spoken of, in the world. Philip says, trust me... we found the messiah (the prophet, the savior -- Jesus).
Jesus' thoughts, actions and teachings revealed to people that He truly was full of compassion and wisdom. Jesus gathered a following not by boasting but by showing/living being an example of everything He believed in. We should be the same kind of soul: someone whose kind actions speak for themselves. We should be humble -- we should work to be our best selves but not boast. Jesus' life revealed His true character, He did not need to convince anyone of it.
1:47 Throughout the New Testament we see exactly how perceptive Jesus is. This verse is a prime example: upon first meeting Him, Jesus already knows the character of Nathaniel's soul. Jesus knows each of us, individually, and has a unique love for each of us, individually as well. Jesus' perception (from God) allows Him to know the true spirits of each human. He's omniscient.
1:48 -49 Nathaniel is stunned to be recognized, he asks Jesus how He knew him. Jesus explains that He saw Nathaniel with Philip even before meeting him. There are two things to take from this, first: Jesus is a manifestation of God and therefore as every ability in the world. Nothing is hidden from him. He IS wisdom, He knows all and understands all... in the world, in the universe, in all of creation. How amazing is it that all of this ability is in the hands of our compassionate God?
Second: this is metaphorical of Nathaniel being an instrument through which God's instruction and love could flow. Throughout the bible, the fig tree signifies the coming of God. When the figs are ready (when humans are ready, the good and the bad) God will come to collect them. Nathaniel, being under the fig tree, is a student of God who works under the umbrella of humanity (the fig tree) to prepare people to be good fruit rather than bad in order to be collected by God. We can learn from Jesus how to be perceptive of people's character... He guides us through life. And we can also learn how to be workers with God under (and within) the umbrella of humanity.
1:50-51 Jesus responds to Nathaniel's awe of His perception: Jesus is basically saying -- well, that was easy! Jesus convinced Nathaniel that He was the real deal by doing one of the simplest of His abilities -- being perceptive. Jesus assures Nathaniel that even greater things are to come from Him. And indeed He speaks the prophetic truth. If you think that was amazing... Just wait to see what is to come. He has the same message for us. With God, light and love continue growing stronger infinitely. Jesus speaks of transfiguration into the spiritual dimension in which we all come from and were God truly, tangibly is.
1:46 The world was so corrupt at the time that some are skeptical that there is any good, such as this perfect goodness which was being spoken of, in the world. Philip says, trust me... we found the messiah (the prophet, the savior -- Jesus).
Jesus' thoughts, actions and teachings revealed to people that He truly was full of compassion and wisdom. Jesus gathered a following not by boasting but by showing/living being an example of everything He believed in. We should be the same kind of soul: someone whose kind actions speak for themselves. We should be humble -- we should work to be our best selves but not boast. Jesus' life revealed His true character, He did not need to convince anyone of it.
1:47 Throughout the New Testament we see exactly how perceptive Jesus is. This verse is a prime example: upon first meeting Him, Jesus already knows the character of Nathaniel's soul. Jesus knows each of us, individually, and has a unique love for each of us, individually as well. Jesus' perception (from God) allows Him to know the true spirits of each human. He's omniscient.
1:48 -49 Nathaniel is stunned to be recognized, he asks Jesus how He knew him. Jesus explains that He saw Nathaniel with Philip even before meeting him. There are two things to take from this, first: Jesus is a manifestation of God and therefore as every ability in the world. Nothing is hidden from him. He IS wisdom, He knows all and understands all... in the world, in the universe, in all of creation. How amazing is it that all of this ability is in the hands of our compassionate God?
Second: this is metaphorical of Nathaniel being an instrument through which God's instruction and love could flow. Throughout the bible, the fig tree signifies the coming of God. When the figs are ready (when humans are ready, the good and the bad) God will come to collect them. Nathaniel, being under the fig tree, is a student of God who works under the umbrella of humanity (the fig tree) to prepare people to be good fruit rather than bad in order to be collected by God. We can learn from Jesus how to be perceptive of people's character... He guides us through life. And we can also learn how to be workers with God under (and within) the umbrella of humanity.
1:50-51 Jesus responds to Nathaniel's awe of His perception: Jesus is basically saying -- well, that was easy! Jesus convinced Nathaniel that He was the real deal by doing one of the simplest of His abilities -- being perceptive. Jesus assures Nathaniel that even greater things are to come from Him. And indeed He speaks the prophetic truth. If you think that was amazing... Just wait to see what is to come. He has the same message for us. With God, light and love continue growing stronger infinitely. Jesus speaks of transfiguration into the spiritual dimension in which we all come from and were God truly, tangibly is.
