An Unexpected Person

The Word Became Flesh: God Among Us

Bible Passage: John 1:1–18

Summary: This passage introduces us to the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where the divine Word (Logos) becomes flesh and dwells among humanity, revealing God's glory and grace.

Application: This message can help teens understand the significance of Jesus' coming to earth, emphasizing that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives. It encourages them to seek a personal relationship with Christ amidst their struggles and questions.

Teaching: This sermon teaches about the dual nature of Christ as both fully divine and fully human, highlighting His role in creation and redemption. It illustrates how Jesus reveals God's character and purpose for humanity.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader biblical narrative, Jesus as the Incarnate Word connects the Old Testament promises with New Testament fulfillment. He embodies the presence of God, fulfilling the law and the prophets, and establishing a new covenant with humanity.

Big Idea: The big idea of this sermon is that through the Incarnation, God demonstrates His profound love and desire for relationship, encouraging all to embrace the fullness of life found in Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the theological implications of the Incarnation as detailed in systematic theology texts available in your Logos library. You might explore how the concept of Logos was understood in the Greco-Roman world and how this informs our understanding of Jesus' identity. Additionally, addressing common misconceptions or challenges that teens might have regarding Jesus' dual nature could be beneficial.

1. Word's Wonder - Creator Introduced

John 1:1-5

You could emphasize how these verses establish the divine nature of Jesus, the Word, which was present at the beginning with God and is God. Teens might be encouraged to think about the profound truth that the Creator of the universe knows and loves them personally, even amidst their struggles. As the light shines in the darkness, Jesus brings hope and guidance to their lives. Perhaps challenge them to reflect on areas of darkness in their world where they can be a reflection of this light.

Jesus as God and Creator - explanation of three sections of verse 1

Genesis themes

Importance of term “the Word”

Logos - common term between both Jews and Greeks

Jews - would refer to God as “the word of God”

Greeks - logos as the power that made the world make sense; the world is understandable and reasonable because of the “logos”

John meets both Jews and Greeks where they are at, introducing the true logos

Explanation of life and light

Life = God’s relation to nature; light = God’s revelation to people

Life - he is the source of all life to everything that exists, biological and spiritual, human and otherwise

Light - spiritual knowledge and understanding

Application: spiritual understanding is only made available by Jesus; he has proven that he wants us to know him

How will we reach for more light this year?

2. Witness to the Word - Response

John 1:6-13

Maybe highlight John the Baptist's role as a witness to the light, connecting it to the responsibility of all believers to testify about Jesus. These verses explore the reception of the Word, suggesting teens consider how they respond to Jesus and what it means to receive Him. This could be an opportunity to discuss identity as children of God and the assurance and purpose that comes from this new relationship.

2 responses to the light: receiving him or not

He gives the right to become children of God - identity, assurance, purpose

Application - identity as sons and daughters, and how that gives us assurance and purpose

3. Word's Worth - Grace Revealed

John 1:14-18

Perhaps focus on the breathtaking mystery of "the Word became flesh"—Jesus living as a human and dwelling among us. This section provides a chance to explore the grace and truth revealed in Jesus and how encountering this grace transforms lives. Teens could be invited to see God's grace in their everyday experiences and be encouraged to extend grace to others, understanding that Jesus' presence brings hope and renewal.

3 points:

1) Eyewitnesses that validate who Jesus is and what he did

2) Jesus makes God known to the world

3) Full of grace and truth

Application: Jesus gives a limitless supply of grace to us -