The Word
We have arrived at the time of the year I like to call the “Super Bowl" of churchdom. It is the climax of the entire Christian faith and the reason for our hope. Easter, as you know, is coming this Sunday, so I felt lead to take time to celebrate and remember why Jesus came to earth.
In John chapter 1 verse 1 we read the following:
“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”
What is this “Word” John speaks of? And not just any Word, The Word. What is the author trying to convey? Let’s read on and discover another clue.
“He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:2-4, emphasis added)
Now we know this Word was actually a person, a man. But of whom is John speaking? Let’s jump a couple of verses ahead, to the scripture that holds the answer.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14)
This scripture tells us very plainly the Word, is Jesus Christ. If you are still unsure, let me offer a few more scriptures to help tie it all together.
““Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us)” (Matthew 1:23)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
The Word dwelt among us = Immanuel (God with us)
The Word is the only Son sent from the Father = God gave his only begotten Son
The Word = Jesus Christ
The gospel of John is my favorite of the four. I have read and studied it numerous times. I love John’s writing style and the richness of his text. Several years ago, while digging through this book of the Bible once again, I was stuck on chapter 1, verse 1 & 14. Why does the disciple who wrote this scripture choose to use the word, “Word” to describe Jesus?
I pondered and searched through many commentaries regarding the purpose of the usage of this particular description. In the original language of Greek, word is actually Logos and utilizing Matthew Henry and other well known pastoral fathers of the faith, I studied this theology.
I completely agree with many of the thoughts other brothers and sisters have regarding the reason John used the term Logos to describe Jesus ( and I highly recommend you do your own study on the Logos and the connection to the culture of that time), but there was something that still remained unsettled within me.
As I was chewing on these verses again one day, a thought occured to me. I wonder how the dictionary defines the word, “word”? Simple, I know, and not in any way am I trying to take away from the beauty and depth of meaning of the Logos, but at times seeing things stripped down allows us to learn even more. After all, we are all about Living Beautifully Simple, right?
What I found shook me to the core and sent me back to the Garden, yes- back to the very beginning in Genesis. Most of you are familiar with the story of Adam and Eve, even if you didn’t grow up in church. They sinned by eating of the fruit from the tree God told them was off limits, bringing consequences upon themselves.
After addressing the couple, God then turned to the serpent who had deceived Eve. In verse 15 of Genesis chapter 3 we read, “I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
This is the first mention of Jesus the Messiah in all of the scriptures. God already set a plan in motion to rectify the wrong that was committed by the human race. The offspring of a woman would crush the head of the serpent and redeem mankind.
Jesus Christ was born almost 2000 years ago to the virgin Mary. He grew to be a man, sinless in all of His ways. After 33 years on this earth, He would carry a cross to a hill called Calvary, where He would be crucified for the sin of all humanity. The wrath of God that should have been mine and should have been yours, was poured down upon Christ.
With His final breath He declared, “It is finished!”, bowed His head and submitted His spirit to the Father. They would lay Him in a tomb, just as they would have done for any ordinary man, but this was not “merely a man”. On the third day, He arose, conquering death (completely crushing the head of the serpent), restoring a way for us to come back to the Father. Praise be to our King!
So what does this have to do with what I discovered in the definition of the word, “word”? Let’s dive into that. I read multiple definitions such as:
A single unit of language that can be spoken or written (e.g. The words on a page)
A discussion (I need to have a word with you.)
But then I came to an entry that made me freeze:
A promise (I have kept my word.)
An assurance (You have my word, I will arrive on time. )
In Genesis, God told Adam, Eve and the serpent a Messiah would come. God gave His word that day to correct the sinful act of the first humans. The promise He made, His very word, manifested into flesh and bone, to fulfill exactly what the scriptures said He would.
It’s like John was screaming, “The Father kept His word! Do you see Him? He came! The Promise and assurance we have been waiting for, put on flesh and came down to dwell among us. It was Jesus all along!"
Christ is the tangible expression of God’s word. The fulfillment of not only His promise, but also every prophecy that was spoken concerning the Messiah. Thanks be to God for giving and sending His Word to us! When God speaks, rest assure, it WILL come to pass.
Now, isn’t there a word about Christ coming back? Humm…are you ready dear friends?