Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 1:1-3, 14, 18), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• In this majestic prologue/overture to his Gospel, John talks about “the Word.” (This is the only time the Son of God is called this.) Why do you think John uses language like this here when he could have used other, more familiar names/titles/designations?

• These verses describe the eternal preexistence of the Son of God with God and as God. This passage can only be explained by the doctrines of 1) the full divinity of Jesus and 2) the Trinity. Can you show those doctrines from this passage? Why do Christians believe in only one God? Why do Christians believe in more than one divine Person? Why are these distinctive doctrines essential to the Christian faith and life? How might you use this passage to engage with “Christian spin-off” groups like Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses? How about other monotheistic groups like Jews or Muslims?

• If this is the God at the back of all things, the Creator of all things, then what relevance does knowing him have for your life?

• How long has the Word existed? How long since the Word became flesh? How long will the Word who became flesh remain flesh? What does this mean for your future?