Jesus: The Living Word Series

Each of the Gospel writers chooses a different starting point from which they begin their account of Jesus’ life. John reaches beyond the boundaries of time and into eternity before the world ever existed. John starts his Gospel much like Moses started the book of Genesis, “in the beginning.” Wait a minute, in the beginning what? Isn’t that the logical question? Well as John pulls back the curtain on the drama of the ages two figures are already at center stage. God and the Word are there. However, it is difficult to tell if these are two individuals or just one. The Word is with God, standing with Him, but the Word is also God. How can that be? I am so confused. Look real close and you will see that they are not identical but they are still one. Who is John introducing us to? Who is this Word that is with God? John is introducing us to Jesus, who really is higher than the heavens and older than the universe. The portrait of Jesus that John paints in this text will literally knock your socks off but it is essential for us to see if we are going to really get to know Jesus.

I. Jesus is God.

A. Have you ever truly thought about the idea of a human being embodying God?

1. These words have very huge implications. The creator actually became a part of the creation.

2. Jesus was not simply an illusion; His body was flesh and blood allowing His disciples to have a personal experience with Him.

3. Jesus revealed to mankind not only the mind of God but His holiness and love.

4. John is making quite a claim for a Jew; in fact the majority of Jews would consider this blasphemy to give mere man equality with God.

5. John holds fast to the idea that the Creator lived among His creation as the man Jesus.

B. John leaves no doubt that Jesus is the Word of God.

1. The Greek word logos which is translated word is very rich in meaning.

a. This is a philosophical term that was used in Jewish, Greek and Roman intellectual circles.

b. The general meaning of the term is spoken word but the focus of the term is on the meaning being conveyed not just the sound.

c. To the Greek mind the logos is what lies behind the universe and maintains its order.

d. In the Jewish mind creation took place through God speaking.

2. So John is right on target with his audience because to both the Jew and Greek logos conveyed the idea of beginnings.

3. John moves on to show that the Word was with God in the beginning. The Greek word for with (pros) means more than just being in the same location. In this context it is used to indicate a personal relationship.

4. This logic is easy to follow until John states that the Word was not only with God but was God.

5. Jesus alludes to this fact. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58—NIV)

6. So Jesus is literally the will, purpose and power of God revealed in human form.

7. One has to stand amazed at the fact that John who was a simple Galilean fisherman was able to express such a deep theological concept so eloquently.

II. Jesus is not only God but the Creator.

A. Throughout the New Testament Jesus is presented as the agent of creation.

1. The Word is revealed to be divine by being identified as the agent of creation. No one else could make a universe but God.

2. Paul’s shares the same sentiment that Jesus was the power that was sent forth from God to bring the universe into existence.

3. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. (Colossians 1:15-16—NIV)

4. John makes sure that his readers understand that absolutely everything that was created came into existence by this Word.

B. John makes things interesting when he shows that with the Word comes life.

1. The Genesis account of Creation makes it clear that God is the creator and source of all life. This is exactly what Jesus brings according to John.

2. When John says that Jesus brings life the Greek word is zoe. Why did John choose this word?

a. He could have used bios which refers to biological life.

b. He could have used psuche which refers to the presences of a living soul.

c. John shows that Jesus brings life on a deeper level which he will refer to as eternal life throughout his book.