Exploring the Divine Logos, Incarnation, and Source of Spiritual Life
Introduction: Jesus the Living Word
The concept of “Jesus the Living Word,” rooted deeply in Christian theology and especially prominent in the Gospel of John, presents Jesus not merely as a messenger, but as God’s ultimate self-expression—His Word made flesh. This teaching invites us to see Jesus as the bridge between humanity and the divine, the very revelation of God’s heart, and the wellspring of authentic spiritual life. In this post, we’ll seek to understand what it truly means for Jesus to be the Living Word, focusing on his identity as the incarnate Logos, his role in unveiling God to humanity, and the enduring comfort and faith this truth provides.
Jesus as God’s True Expression: Making the Invisible Visible
John 1:18 reminds us, “No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.” Jesus is far more than a prophet or teacher—he is God’s perfect expression. Through him, what was once hidden about God becomes visible. He embodies divine character, love, and wisdom in a way we can understand and relate to. Encountering Jesus is essentially experiencing the fullness of God brought close.
The Logos in the Gospel of John: Ancient Roots and New Meaning
John begins his Gospel with a profound proclamation: “In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The term Logos carried rich meaning for both Greek and Jewish audiences—reason, order, and the creative word of God. John brings these threads together, revealing that Jesus is the eternal Logos, God’s living Word. As the personal Word, Jesus is present from the start, the very one through whom all creation came into being and by whom God’s purposes are revealed.
Incarnation: God Dwelling Among Us
John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Here, the infinite becomes finite, the eternal enters time, and the invisible takes on form in Jesus. The incarnation assures us that God knows our daily human experience—he is not remote, but near, truly sharing in our joys and sorrows. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, offers grace and understanding to every one of us.
Jesus as the Source of Spiritual Life: Bread from Heaven and Life-Giving Words
Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus declares himself to be the source of true spiritual sustenance: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). His words aren’t just teachings—they are filled with Spirit and life, transformative to those who receive them. More than physical nourishment, he gives eternal life and hope. Welcoming Jesus, the Living Word, brings a fulfillment nothing else can match.
The Living Word and the Written Word: Working Together
The Bible is often called God’s written word, while Jesus is the Living Word. These two work in harmony—the written word points us to Christ, and Jesus fulfills the promises found in Scripture. Reading the Bible allows believers to hear the Living Word speak, guiding and strengthening us through the Holy Spirit. Both the written and the Living Word are vital: Scripture grounds our faith, and Christ gives it breath and meaning.
John 14:9 and Supporting Verses: Seeing the Father in Christ
When Philip asks, “Show us the Father,” Jesus replies in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” This simple yet profound answer shows that Jesus embodies the very nature of God. To know Christ is to know the Father himself. Philip’s request reveals a longing to experience God, and Jesus assures him that this desire is fulfilled in himself. Other passages, like Colossians 1:15 and Hebrews 1:3, reinforce this: Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the exact representation of God’s being.
Faith, Comfort, and Christ as the Way, Truth, and Life
If there is one remedy for a troubled heart, it is belief in Christ as the Mediator between God and humanity. Jesus comforts his followers with the assurance of the Father’s house, filled with many lasting dwellings—promising that he not only prepares a place for us, but also prepares us for that place. He is the Way to the Father, the Truth who fulfills every prophecy, and the Life whose Spirit revives hearts dead in sin. By Christ, our prayers reach God and God’s blessings reach us. He is the Resurrection and the Life: when we see Christ by faith, we see the Father revealed. In Christ’s teaching is the light of God; in his miracles, the power of God; and in his pure life, the holiness of God. Through faith, we embrace the revelation of God in Christ, and the works of the Redeemer display both his glory and God’s glory in him.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 