Study on John 1

This first part is thought to be an early Christian hymn. The Word - the Logos - is God the Son, creator of the universe. John the Baptist testified to this Word Become Flesh.

John said that he wasn’t the Christ, Elijah, or the prophet. But Jesus said he was a prophet and Elijah. So what’s going on? Well, he wasn’t _literally_ Elijah, but he _was_ the Elijah who was prophesied in Malachi 4. But there’re other views, for example https://gracethrufaith.com/end-times-prophecy/john-the-baptist-elijah-or-not/ which puts forward the idea that if the Jews had received John’s and Jesus’ ministry, they would have ushered in the Messianic kingdom right then and there, but since they rejected them, it was delayed. But I’m not sure I buy that. Here’re a few other interpretations: https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/13318/why-does-john-the-baptist-deny-being-elijah

John the Baptist didn’t glorify himself, nor did he begrudge his disciples to Jesus. He virtually sent Andrew and the other disciple to Jesus, and Andrew ended up bringing his brother Simon Peter.

Application: we shouldn't begrudge people who might leave our church if they can serve God better in another church.

Jesus didn’t let Nathanael’s skepticism deter him.