The Logos

The Word Made Flesh: Understanding the Divinity of Christ

Bible Passage: Jn 1:1–19

Summary: The prologue of John introduces Jesus as the pre-existent Word (Logos) who was both with God and was God, emphasizing His divine nature and the central role He plays in creation and revelation.

Application: This passage encourages believers to reflect on the profound mystery of Christ’s dual nature as fully God and fully man, helping them to trust in His sovereignty and embrace His personal relationship with humanity amidst life's challenges.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that recognizing Jesus as God is fundamental to understanding the Christian faith, shaping our worship, and influencing our daily lives as we seek to live in accordance with His teachings.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Christ is revealed as the agent of creation, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and the ultimate redeemer; this theme of His divinity not only connects to the prologue of John but also threads through the entire Bible, culminating in His resurrection and exaltation.

Big Idea: The divinity of Christ is the foundation of our faith, urging us to acknowledge Him not only as our Savior but as the sovereign God who is intimately involved in our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider delving into the implications of the term 'Logos' and its philosophical background using Logos. Explore the textual variants in John 1:1 and how they might affect the interpretation of Christ's nature. Additionally, examining the historical context of the early Church's struggle with heresies regarding Christ's divinity may provide rich insights into your teaching.

1. Proclaiming the Pre-existent Word

John 1:1-5

You could focus on the idea that Jesus, the Word, is both with God and is God. He is not only present in creation but is its divine source. Emphasizing Jesus' role in bringing light and life into the world, this passage invites us to trust in His creative power and love despite the darkness we encounter. Remind the congregation that through Christ, the true Light, we can find hope and clarity amidst uncertainty.

2. Proclaiming as Witnesses

John 1:6-8

Perhaps highlight the role of John the Baptist as a witness to the light. This point serves to illustrate the need for believers to testify about Jesus' transformative power in their lives. John's witness prepares the way for Christ, teaching us that our lives should reflect Christ's light and prepare others to encounter Him. In doing so, we affirm Jesus' divine identity and His influence on our daily interactions.

3. Receiving the True Light

John 1:9-13

Consider discussing how Jesus came into the world as true light, rejected by many yet offering the right to become children of God to those who receive Him. This passage challenges us to embrace our identity as beloved children, resting in God's sovereignty and embracing the divine life Jesus imparts. As we accept Christ, our lives are transformed, empowering us to live as testimonies of God's grace and truth.

4. Incarnate Among Us

John 1:14

Maybe underline the profound mystery of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Here, Jesus' incarnation is celebrated as God’s ultimate act of love, bridging the divine and the human. Encouraging believers to see God in the midst of their lives, this point affirms that in Christ we find grace and truth. Jesus is not a distant God but one who intimately knows and saves us, grounding our faith in His divine presence.

5. Declaring Grace and Truth

John 1:15-18

You could emphasize the fulfillment of the law and prophets in Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth. Through His incarnation, we receive an intimate revelation of God, contrasting the old covenant with the new reality in Christ. Faith in Jesus offers us unprecedented access to God's heart and His salvific work. This final point encourages believers to deeply trust and embody His grace as they navigate their spiritual journey.

Mark 1:1–2 CSB

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.

Matthew 1:1 CSB

An account of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

Luke 3:23–38 CSB

As he began his ministry, Jesus was about thirty years old and was thought to be the son of Joseph, son of Heli, son of Matthat, son of Levi, son of Melchi, son of Jannai, son of Joseph, son of Mattathias, son of Amos, son of Nahum, son of Esli, son of Naggai, son of Maath, son of Mattathias, son of Semein, son of Josech, son of Joda, son of Joanan, son of Rhesa, son of Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, son of Neri, son of Melchi, son of Addi, son of Cosam, son of Elmadam, son of Er, son of Joshua, son of Eliezer, son of Jorim, son of Matthat, son of Levi, son of Simeon, son of Judah, son of Joseph, son of Jonam, son of Eliakim, son of Melea, son of Menna, son of Mattatha, son of Nathan, son of David, son of Jesse, son of Obed, son of Boaz, son of Salmon, son of Nahshon, son of Amminadab, son of Ram, son of Hezron, son of Perez, son of Judah, son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham, son of Terah, son of Nahor, son of Serug, son of Reu, son of Peleg, son of Eber, son of Shelah, son of Cainan, son of Arphaxad, son of Shem, son of Noah, son of Lamech, son of Methuselah, son of Enoch, son of Jared, son of Mahalalel, son of Cainan, son of Enos, son of Seth, son of Adam, son of God.

John 1:1–2 CSB

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

John 1:3–5 CSB

All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

John 1:6–8 CSB

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light.

John 1:9–11 CSB

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

John 1:12–13 CSB

But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

John 1:14 CSB

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:15 CSB

(John testified concerning him and exclaimed, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ ”)

John 1:16–18 CSB

Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him.