John Chapter 1 (NKJV) Study Guide for 12-Year-Olds | Religious Studies, English & History

Instructions

1. Read John Chapter 1 in the New King James Version (NKJV) before beginning this worksheet.
2. Complete each section in order. Use the verse references provided in parentheses to help find your answers.
3. Use a pen or pencil to fill in the blanks and tables clearly.
4. Take the Challenge: Try the optional "Deep Dive" question at the end if you finish early!

Part 1: The Mystery of the Word

In the first five verses, Jesus is referred to as "The Word." Match the statement on the left with the correct truth found in verses 1–5.

Part 2: Who is Jesus? (Titles and Names)

John Chapter 1 uses many different names and titles to describe who Jesus is. Fill out the table below based on the chapter.

Part 3: The Witness Report

John the Baptist had a specific job to do. Answer the following questions based on verses 6–8 and 19–28.

1. Was John the Baptist the "Light"? (Circle one): YES / NO

2. According to verse 23, who did John say he was? (Quote the verse):

   ---

3. Why did John say he was baptizing people with water? (See verse 31):

   ---

Part 4: The First Followers

When Jesus started His ministry, He began calling disciples (followers). Think about the "chain reaction" of how people met Jesus in verses 35–51.

• The Chain Reaction:
  • John the Baptist told Andrew.
  • Andrew went and found his brother, Simon Peter.
  • The next day, Jesus found Philip.
  • Philip then went to find Nathanael.

Reflection Question: In verse 46, Nathanael is skeptical. He asks, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip doesn't argue with him. Instead, he gives a simple three-word invitation. What were those three words?

" and ."

Part 5: Real-World Application

John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." This means Jesus didn't stay far away in heaven; He came to live where we live, eat what we eat, and understand our struggles.

If Jesus were "dwelling" (living) in your neighborhood or school today, how do you think He would treat people who feel left out or lonely? List two specific actions He might take.

Part 6: Optional Deep Dive (Challenge Question)

In verse 51, Jesus mentions "angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." This is a reference to a famous dream an Old Testament character named Jacob had (Genesis 28). Why do you think Jesus describes Himself as a "ladder" or a bridge between heaven and earth?

Answer Key

Part 1: Matching

• In the beginning... -> Jesus has always existed
• The Word was with God -> Jesus and God are distinct but together
• The Word was God -> He is equal to God the Father
• All things were made... -> Everything was made through Him
• The light shines... -> He is the source of life and truth

Part 2: Table (Suggested Answers)

• Verse 34: The Son of God (He is God's own Son)
• Verse 38: Rabbi (Teacher)
• Verse 41: The Messiah / The Christ (The Anointed One/Savior)
• Verse 49: The King of Israel (The rightful ruler)
• Verse 51: The Son of Man (Title Jesus used for Himself showing His humanity and glory)

Part 3: Witness Report

1. NO (He came to bear witness of the Light).
2. "I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord.’"
3. So that Jesus (the one who should be revealed) might be revealed to Israel.

Part 4: Following the Leader

• "Come and see."

Part 5: Application (Answers vary: e.g., Sitting with them at lunch, listening to their problems, standing up for them.)

Part 6: Deep Dive (Answers vary: Jesus is the way for humans to reach God; He is the connection point between the physical world and the spiritual world.)