Understanding “The Word” in John’s Gospel
You may have seen this famous line if you’ve ever read the start of the Gospel of John. It begins with: “In the beginning was the Word.” The passage continues, “And the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Later, in verse 14, John says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” But what does it actually mean to call Jesus “the Word of God”? Let’s break it down in everyday language.
The Big Idea: Introducing Jesus as “the Word”
John, one of Jesus’ disciples and closest friend, wrote his gospel to help people know who Jesus really is. He explained why He matters. He wanted his readers to believe that Jesus is the promised Savior. He is the Messiah, the very Son of God. By believing, they can find real life through Him.
To do this, John opens his book by calling Jesus “the Word.” In the original Greek language, the word used is “Logos” (pronounced LOW-goss). Back then, both Jewish people and Greek people would have recognized this word. Yet, it meant slightly different things to each group.
· For Jewish readers, “the Word” described how God reveals Himself. It was also a way to understand how He acts in the world. In the Old Testament, God’s “word” is powerful — it creates, commands, and saves.
· For Greek readers, “Logos” was a deep idea used by philosophers. They viewed it as a form of reason. It was also considered a form of order. Some even saw it as a bridge between God (who is far above the world) and the universe itself.
John used the term “the Word” to grab the attention of everyone. This included both Jews and Greeks. He used a concept they already understood.
Going Beyond: Jesus Is More Than an Idea or Messenger
But here’s the twist: John doesn’t just stick with what people already thought about “the Word.” Instead, he says something radical and new. He claims:
· The Word was with God, and the Word was God. In other words, Jesus is not just a message, but He is God Himself.
· The Word became flesh. This means that Jesus, who is fully God, actually became a human being. He didn’t just send messages — He came Himself, lived among us, and showed us what God is really like.
John wants us to see that Jesus is God’s perfect and complete way of showing Himself to us. It’s like saying, “If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus.” In the gospel, Jesus states clearly, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
Why Does This Matter?
This teaching is important. It shows that Jesus isn’t just a wise teacher or a prophet. He is God in human form. He came to reveal God’s love and truth to us in a way we can see and understand. And, by believing in Him, we’re invited into a relationship with God and can experience true life.
In Short
John talks about Jesus as “the Word.” He’s telling us that Jesus is the ultimate way God has spoken to the world. Jesus is God. He became one of us. He came to show us who God is. He came to bring us back into relationship with Him.
Jesus is the message. He is also the messenger. Jesus is the very God who loves us and wants us to know Him. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 