John 1:15-27

Inspirational illustration of John 1:14-18 -- grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God,a but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Illustration of John 1:19-21 NLT -- This was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, "Who are you?" He came right out and said, "I am not the Messiah." "Well then, who are you?" they asked. "Are you Elijah?" "No," he replied. "Are you the Prophet we are expecting?" "No."

Illustration of John 1:16-17 NLT -- From [Jesus'] abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.

Illustration of John 1:22-23 NLT -- [The people sent by the Jewish leaders to John the Baptizer said,] "Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?" John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: "I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Clear the way for the Lord's coming!'"

Illustration of John 1:24-25 NLT -- Then the Pharisees who had been sent asked [John the Baptizer], "If you aren't the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?"

Illustration of John 1:26-28 NLT -- John told them, "I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal." This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.

Illustration of John 1:18 NLT -- No one has ever seen God. But the unique One [Jesus], who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

Inspirational illustration of John 1:18 -- No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

Illustration of John 1:18 -- No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only [Son], who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

Illustration of John 1:15 NLT -- John testified about [Jesus] when he shouted to the crowds, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, 'Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'"