John 1 – Faithful Resources for Come, Follow Me 2023 Week 4

John’s identity:

John was a disciple of John the Baptist and later became one of the first followers of Jesus Christ and one of His Twelve Apostles. He wrote the Gospel of John, several epistles, and the book of Revelation. In his Gospel, he referred to himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” and the “other disciple” (John 13:23; 20:3). John’s zeal for preaching the gospel was so strong that he asked to stay on the earth until the Savior’s Second Coming so he could bring souls unto Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 7:1–6). See also Bible Dictionary, “John,” “John, Gospel of.”

Who is Elias? 

(1) It is the New Testament (Greek) form of Elijah (Hebrew), as in Luke 4:25–26, James 5:17, and Matt. 17:1–4. Elias in these instances can only be the ancient prophet Elijah whose ministry is recorded in 1 and 2 Kings. The curious wording of JST Mark 9:3 does not imply that the Elias at the Transfiguration was John the Baptist, but that in addition to Elijah the prophet, John the Baptist was present (see Mark 9:4 note a).

(2) Elias is also a title for one who is a forerunner; for example, John the Baptist, as in JST Matt. 11:13–15, JST Matt. 17:10–14, and JST John 1:20–28 (Appendix). These passages are sufficiently clarified to show that anciently two Eliases were spoken of, one as a preparer and the other a restorer. John was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, Jesus Himself being the Restorer who brought back the gospel and the Melchizedek Priesthood to the Jews in His day (see JST John 1:20–28 [Appendix]).

Jesus Christ was “in the beginning with God.”

Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:1–5 ; Jesus Christ Chosen as Savior

Jesus Christ is the “true Light,” the Son of God.

John 1:8–9;verses 1–18; see also Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:1–19

Jesus Christ gives us “power to become” the sons and daughters of God.

what John 1:11–13 teaches about becoming daughters and sons of God. Consider also what these scriptures teach about how we receive this gift: Romans 8:14–18; Mosiah 5:7–9; Doctrine and Covenants 25:1. What does it mean to you to have “power to become” a daughter or son of God?

John 1:18 states that no one has seen God. However, the Joseph Smith Translation of this verse clarifies that “no man hath seen God at any time, except he hath borne record of the Son” (see John 1:18, footnote c). Consider reviewing the following instances in which God the Father was heard bearing record of the Son: Matthew 3:17; 17:5; 3 Nephi 11:6–7; Joseph Smith—History 1:17.