Jesus Christ- The Living Word
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Introduction
John begins his gospel with a lengthy introduction designed to help his readers to understand exactly who Jesus is.
The overarching purpose of John’s gospel is to prove that Jesus was indeed the Son of God
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Over the next several weeks as we look towards the Christmas season and the celebration of the savior’s birth we will examine a number of the statements that John made regarding Jesus so that we may gain a greater understanding of who He is and that if you have not believed in Him you shall be able to see why you should.
John refers to Jesus as the Word and this is a title that carries significant meaning with it.
Notice the statements he makes about the Word in these first few verses.
The Word is:
Eternally Existent (Vs. 1a)
Eternally Existent (Vs. 1a)
Notice the wording that John uses as he begins to write. He states that the Word “was” in the beginning.
This is significant because the statement that John is making is that Jesus Christ did not come into being at creation but was in existence before creation.
Jesus Christ did not come into being but has always been. He exists without contingency meaning that He is self-existent.
Jesus did not come into being when he was born upon earth this was merely his incarnation as man.
A Member of the Godhead (Vs. 1b)
A Member of the Godhead (Vs. 1b)
John makes two further statements regarding the Word. He says first that the Word was with God. This simply means that there was an established relationship between the Father and the Son. We know that God is a trinity and that He is composed of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three parts exist in perfect unity the one with the other.
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
This concept may be to some extent beyond our comprehension but it is plainly stated in the scriptures.
We know that Jesus Christ is a part of the trinity and that as such He has all the character and nature of God.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
John’s final statement in this verse is that “the Word was God.” John is not suggesting that Jesus ever ceased to be God but rather that “the Word” is the very essence of God.
This statement presents Jesus as distinct from God the father but of the same nature and essence.
Responsible for Creation (Vs. 3)
Responsible for Creation (Vs. 3)
Jesus Christ is said to be the creator of all things on multiple occasions. It is He who is responsible for all that we see.
It is interesting the connection that this gives to the Genesis account when all things are literally spoken into existence.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Jesus is responsible for creation and all creation exists for His glory.
Then in verse 14 John makes one final statement regarding the Word. The Word was
Made Flesh (Vs. 14)
Made Flesh (Vs. 14)
What a wonderful truth that “the Word was made flesh”! Jesus Christ was not merely some distant spiritual presence but actually walked upon this earth just as you and I do today.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
John and the other disciples were eyewitnesses of Jesus and his miracles. They saw Him, heard Him, touched Him, and fellowshipped with Him.
The Word was made flesh by the miracle of the virgin birth as God became man.
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Jesus Christ became a man so that He could be identified with mankind and for the express purpose of fulfilling the plan of redemption.
The glory of God was revealed in Him and John describes Him as being “full of grace and truth”
Jesus was the manifestation of the grace of God. God’s unmerited love and favor was extended to mankind in the man Christ Jesus.
No man deserved salvation but in Christ it is offered to all. Jesus also came as the revelation of the truth of God revealing the fulness of God’s plan for the redemption of mankind.
In verse 16 and 17 we see the law of Moses contrasted with the grace and truth which have now come in Jesus Christ. The law could only condemn us but grace and truth came to us by Jesus Christ and through faith in Him we shall be saved.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ is the Living Word and as such He is God but He also became a man so that you and I could be reconciled to God.
The Word was made flesh as the expression of God’s grace and truth which makes redemption possible for all mankind.
The question remains have you believed upon Him?
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Will you receive Him today, by faith trusting in HIm