John 1:6-8, 19-28
Chapter 1
He came to bear witness, as a witness to introduce the light, so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but a witness to introduce the light;
Testimony of John the Baptist
This was John’s testimony when the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask him:
“Who are you?”
John acknowledged the truth and refused to deny it. He stated:
“I am not the Messiah.”
They asked him:
“Then who are you? Elijah?”
He answered:
“I am not.”
They said:
“Are you the Prophet?”
And he answered:
“No.”
So they said to him:
“Tell us who you are so that we can give some answer to those who sent us. How do you see yourself?”
John said, quoting the prophet Isaiah:
“I am the voice of one
crying out in the wilderness:
Make straight the way of the LORD!”
Those who were sent were Pharisees;
and they asked John another question: “Then why are you baptizing if you are not the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet?”
John answered:
“I baptize you with water, but among you stands one you do not recognize;
although he comes after me, I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal.”
This took place in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Commentaries
Prologue.
The Gospel of John begins with a solemn introduction that highlights the theological centerpiece of the book: Jesus Christ, the mystery of the incarnation, revealing God’s glory. It also shares the Johannine community’s testimony of faith in their Lord.
Pre-existence and Creative Activity of the Logos (1-3). These first three verses affirm the pre-existence, transcendence, and eternity of the Logos (Word): Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father. His divinity is also confirmed (1), which, along with Thomas’ confession – “My Lord and my God” (20:28) – creates an inclusion. Therefore, the Gospel begins and ends with the declaration of Jesus’ divinity.
Revelation and Rejection (4-11). The logos is the source of life that shines and reveals itself: it is light. But the revelation of light is opposed by darkness, meaning those who reject his saving work. There is great drama in the history of salvation: the Word of salvation entered the world, but his own people did not accept him (11). For John, rejection is the greatest tragedy of humanity.
Revelation and Acceptance (12-18). Those who embrace and accept the revelation of light gain the power to become children of God. Divine sonship is a gift. Verse 14 is the core of the prologue: “The Word became flesh”: in the person of Jesus, divinity shines through physically. God dwells among us. The body of Jesus has become God’s sanctuary for humanity. The divine presence, once connected to the tent in the desert, then to the temple in Jerusalem, now resides in the person of Jesus Christ. In him lives all the goodness and mercy of God, and these are stable, enduring, and everlasting.
Testimony of John the Baptist.
Through this testimony, the evangelist provides a brief overview of Jesus’ personality.
Indirect Testimony (19-28). Before the Jewish authorities, the Baptist confesses that he is not the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet, but the voice crying in the wilderness; his testimony is prophetic: he prepares the way for the Lord.
Direct Testimony (29-31). Before Israel, meaning before the chosen people, he calls Jesus the “Lamb of God.” This title reflects the theological unity of the Gospel and includes the following aspects: “Conquering Lamb”: an apocalyptic image representing the sovereign and messianic leader (Rev 5:11); “sacrificial Lamb”: an image of the Servant of the Lord who redeems through his death (Is 53:7-12); “liberating Passover Lamb”: Jesus offers himself up for the sins of the world, like the lamb of the Jewish Passover (Ex 12:46). Jesus on the cross, like the Passover lamb, will have none of his bones broken (19:36). How does Jesus take away the sin of humanity? By taking on human nature and offering himself on the cross through voluntary sacrifice and loving service. From the cross, he gives us the Holy Spirit (19:30), who purifies and forgives all our sins (20:22ff).
Baptism of Jesus (32-34). The evangelist does not describe Jesus’ baptism but references it through John the Baptist’s testimony. The primary focus of the vision is the Spirit. Jesus is given a specific role: to baptize in the Spirit (33), a task that belongs to God, who will pour out His Spirit on the community (Is 32:15; 44:3; Ezk 36:25-29; Jl 3:1ff). Because the Spirit dwells permanently in Him, Jesus Christ is the great architect of the universal gift of the Spirit and the leader of a holy people.