Instructions
- Read John Chapter 1 in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.
- Complete each section of this study guide in order. The questions will follow the flow of the text.
- Think critically. Some questions ask for facts from the text, while others ask you to think about what those facts mean for us today.
- Check your work using the Answer Key provided at the end of the worksheet once you have finished.
Part 1: The Mystery of the "Word"
Read verses 1–5 and 14. In these verses, Jesus is referred to as "The Word."
1. Fill in the blanks from Verse 1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God, and the Word God."
2. The Power of Creation (Verse 3): According to this verse, how much of the world was made through the Word?
3. The Incarnation (Verse 14): This is a big word that means "taking on a physical body." What did the Word become so that He could dwell among us?
Part 2: The Witness of John the Baptist
John the Baptist had a very specific job. He wasn't the "Light," but he came to tell people about it. Use verses 19–27 to complete the table below.
| Who/What did the priests ask? | John’s Answer (What he said or who he was NOT) |
|---|---|
| Example: "Are you the Christ?" | "I am not the Christ." |
| "Are you Elijah?" | |
| "Are you the Prophet?" | |
| "Who are you?" (v. 23) | |
| "Why do you baptize?" (v. 26-27) |
Part 3: The Lamb of God
4. The Identification (Verse 29): When John the Baptist sees Jesus the next day, what specific title does he give Him?
5. The Mission (Verse 29): According to John, what is the Lamb of God going to do for the world?
Part 4: The First Disciples
In verses 35–51, Jesus begins to gather His team. Fill out the chart below to see how news about Jesus spread like a "chain reaction."
| Disciple Name | How did they find out about Jesus? | What did they do next? |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew | He heard John the Baptist speak. | He went and found his brother, Simon Peter. |
| Simon Peter | ||
| Philip | ||
| Nathanael | ||
| The Other Disciple |
Part 5: Real-World Connection: "Come and See"
In verse 46, when Nathanael is skeptical about Jesus coming from a small town like Nazareth, Philip doesn't argue with him. He simply says, "Come and see."
Reflection Question: Think of something you really enjoy (a hobby, a book, or a sport). If a friend was skeptical about it, how could you use the "Come and See" approach to share it with them? Write 2-3 sentences below.
Part 6: The Challenge Question (Advanced)
The Stairway to Heaven (Verse 51): Jesus tells Nathanael that he will see "heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
Hint: This is a reference to a famous dream a man named Jacob had in the Old Testament (Genesis 28).
Based on this, what do you think Jesus is claiming about His role between God and humans?
Answer Key
Part 1: The Mystery of the "Word"
- with; was.
- All things (nothing was made without Him).
- Flesh (He became human).
Part 2: The Witness of John the Baptist
- "I am not."
- "No."
- "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the LORD.'"
- He explains he baptizes with water, but someone much greater is coming whose sandal strap he is not worthy to loose.
Part 3: The Lamb of God
- The Lamb of God.
- Takes away the sin of the world.
Part 4: The First Disciples
- Simon Peter: Found by his brother Andrew; Jesus gave him a new name (Cephas/Stone).
- Philip: Jesus found him and said, "Follow Me."
- Nathanael: Found by Philip; was skeptical but believed after Jesus told him He saw him under the fig tree.
- The Other Disciple: (Often identified as John) Heard John the Baptist and followed Jesus immediately.
Part 5: Real-World Connection Answers will vary. Students should focus on the idea of invitation rather than argument.
Part 6: Challenge Question Jesus is claiming to be the bridge or the "ladder" between Earth and Heaven—the way for humans to connect with God.