Cove Group Guide – John 1:1-18 – Jan 3/4

by | Jan 4, 2026 | Weekly Message Content | 0 comments

Opening Prayer & Icebreaker

Icebreaker Question: Before this weekend’s message, how would you have described Jesus to someone who had never heard of Him? What shaped your understanding of who He is?

Message Summary

This week we launched a year-long journey through the Gospel of John, starting with one of the most theologically rich passages in Scripture. John introduces Jesus as the eternal Logos (Word), the second person of the Trinity, the source of life and light, God among us, and our source of grace. The message challenged us to see Jesus clearly; not as a prophet, teacher, or enlightened being, but as the eternal God who became flesh to pursue us with relentless grace.

Key Takeaways

  1. Jesus is the Eternal Logos – He is the uncreated Creator, existing before time began, revealing God to humanity.

  2. Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity – One divine essence in three distinct persons; Jesus is fully God.

  3. Jesus is the True Source of Life and Light – He offers spiritual life (zoe) and illuminates truth, exposing sin while promoting growth.

  4. Jesus is God Among Us – The incarnation shows God’s pursuit of us and makes Him approachable in our struggles.

  5. Jesus is Our Source of Grace – Infinite, undeserved favor that saves us and trains us in righteousness.

Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

  1. The Logos Concept: How does understanding Jesus as the “Logos” (Word) change your perspective on Old Testament passages where God reveals Himself? Can you think of specific examples?

  2. The Trinity: Pastor Chad described the Trinity as “one divine essence in three distinct persons.” What aspects of this doctrine do you find most difficult to grasp? Why is it important that we wrestle with this truth rather than simplify it?

  3. Life vs. Zoe: Pastor Chad distinguished between biological life (bios) and spiritual life (zoe). What does it look like to be physically alive but spiritually dead? Have you experienced seasons of spiritual deadness?

Personal Reflection

  1. The Light Metaphor: John 1:5 says “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” When has Jesus’ light felt abrasive or uncomfortable in your life? How did you respond—did you hide from it or lean into it?

  2. The Hamster Wheel: The message mentioned how we chase creation (relationships, money, success) instead of the Creator to find fulfillment. What “good gifts” have you tried to turn into gods? How did that work out?

  3. God Became Flesh: Hebrews tells us Jesus was tempted in every way we are, making Him a “merciful high priest.” What struggle are you facing right now that you need to bring to Jesus, knowing He understands?

Application

  1. Two Groups: Pastor Chad addressed two groups; those far from God and those walking with God but weary. Which group do you identify with today? What specific step do you need to take in response?

  2. Grace Upon Grace: The message described grace as “waves on an ocean” that keep coming. Where do you need to receive fresh grace this week? Where might you be trying to earn God’s favor instead of receiving His grace?

  3. The Refuge Question: “You’re going to find your refuge somewhere.” What has been your default refuge when life gets hard—a bottle, work, entertainment, food, relationships? How can you practically make Jesus your first refuge this week?

Practical Applications

This Week’s Challenge (Choose One):

Option 1 – Daily Meditation: Read John 1:1-18 every day this week. Each day, focus on one attribute of Jesus mentioned in the passage. Journal about how that truth impacts your current circumstances.

Option 2 – Confession & Grace: Identify one area where you’ve been trying to carry a burden on your own instead of casting it on Jesus. Share this with a trusted friend or group member and pray together about it.

Option 3 – Spiritual Inventory: Make a list of what you’re currently pursuing for fulfillment (career goals, relationship status, financial targets, etc.). Honestly evaluate: Am I seeking these as good gifts from God or as substitutes for God?

Memory Verse

John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Prayer Focus

Pray for one another in these areas:

  • For clarity: That we would see Jesus as He truly is, not distorted versions
  • For those far from God: That hearts would soften and people would respond to His grace
  • For the weary believer: That those carrying heavy burdens would find rest in Jesus
  • For the year ahead: As we journey through John together, that God would transform us through His Word
  • For specific struggles: Share and pray for the specific temptations, losses, or challenges group members are facing

Looking Ahead

Next week we’ll continue in John 1, exploring more of how Jesus reveals Himself. Come prepared to share what God showed you through this week’s reading and reflection.

Closing Thought

“Grace is the truth that while we were at our most unlovable, He loved us the most.”

How does this truth change the way you approach God today?