The basis to understanding the Life of Christ is the foundation of who Jesus Christ is. As we see in John 1:1-18 Jesus life does not begin with His physical miraculous birth by a virgin in humble settings. Jesus Christ is the incarnation, physical manifestation of the second person of the trinity, who along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit preexists time and creation.
Jesus of Nazareth was and is God. Through His breath, and by His command everything exists and is sustained. Through Him men can receive life and understanding.
Not only is He God, but He brought the reality of Gods personal relationship with man to a more complete reality. By becoming flesh He personally dwelled among humanity, was able to relate to them and us as a fellow human, reveal God the Father to us, and make atonement for our sins as a perfect man under the law.
The text of John 1:1-18 gives us the context we need to understand who Jesus is which helps us understand the claims He made throughout His ministry here on earth.