The Word Became Flesh

8/30/2024

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1 (NIV)

John 1:1 is one of the most profound and foundational verses in all of Scripture. It takes us back to the very beginning of everything, long before creation, time, and the universe itself. This verse is the starting point of John's Gospel, but it also invites us to the starting point of eternity. It beckons us to consider the eternal existence of "the Word."

John's choice of the term "the Word" (in Greek it is Logos) is rich in meaning. To his original audience, the concept of "Logos" carried deep philosophical and theological significance. For the Jews, "the Word" was closely associated with God’s spoken command in creation — the divine utterance that brought the world into being ("And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" - Genesis 1:3). It signified God’s self-revelation, His wisdom, and His power. For the Greeks, "Logos" referred to the ultimate reason or ordering principle of the universe — the divine logic that made sense of everything. By choosing this term, John is making a powerful claim: Jesus, as the Word, is both the divine Creator and the ultimate reality that makes sense of life.

The opening phrase, "In the beginning," echoes the very first words of Genesis, reminding us that Jesus, the Word, was not created but is co-eternal with God. He was there before the world was made, actively involved in creation, and fully divine. John writes, "the Word was with God," pointing to the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father — a relationship of perfect love, unity, and fellowship that has always existed.

But John goes further to clarify: "the Word was God." Here, the apostle declares that Jesus is not just a messenger or a prophet, but He is God Himself — coequal, coexistent, and coeternal with the Father. Jesus is fully divine, not a secondary being or lesser deity. He is God in essence and nature.

What does this mean for us today? First, it reveals that Jesus is central to everything. Before there was anything, there was Jesus — the Word. He is the foundation of our faith and the One who holds all things together. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, we can rest in the truth that Jesus is the unchanging, eternal Word who sustains and upholds us.

Second, John 1:1 invites us to marvel at the mystery of the incarnation. The Word who was with God and was God took on flesh and entered our world. He stepped into our brokenness to redeem, heal, and restore. In Jesus, we see the full revelation of God’s character — His love, grace, truth, and righteousness. When we look at Jesus, we see God’s heart for us.

Lastly, this verse challenges us to deepen our relationship with Jesus. If He is the Word — the expression of God’s very nature — then knowing Him is the most important pursuit of our lives. Are we taking the time to listen to His voice in the Scriptures? Are we aligning our lives with His truth and seeking His wisdom? Jesus is the Logos, the living Word who speaks into our lives today. Let's make room for His voice, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions.

Jesus, the Word, is both the foundation of creation and the cornerstone of our faith. Let's live with the confidence that He is God, and He is with us today.

Reflect on John 1:1 throughout your day, and remember that Jesus, the eternal Word, is unchanging and ever-present, speaking life and truth into every moment you face.

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ, the eternal Word. Help us to grasp the depth of who He is — fully God, fully divine, and yet fully approachable. Open our hearts and minds to receive His truth today. May we draw closer to Him, knowing that in Him, we find life, meaning, and purpose. Let His Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor Jeff

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