The Message of John (Lesson 1)
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"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made."
–John 1:1-3
The opening verses of the book of John are profound:
"In the beginning was the Word."
The Greek word John uses for Word is logos, which was an important concept in ancient Greek philosophy. To the Greeks, the logos was considered to be the underlying principle that ordered and guided the universe.
The Jewish understanding of the word logos was equally significant, referring to God's wisdom that has been expressed through prophets in the Bible.
John applies the word logos as a concept to represent Jesus. He does this to emphasize the eternality of Jesus. Jesus was not created by God. He is God. As John says, "the Word was with God" and "the Word was God."
This means that Jesus is not just a special man or a gifted prophet. He is fully God.
John goes on to say that "All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made." (John 1:3) This emphasizes that Jesus isn't only God in the flesh, he is the creator of the universe!
Jesus is the one who brought everything into existence. He is the one who made the stars, the planets, the animals, and even us.
In addition to being the Creator, Jesus is also the sustainer of all things. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that "He upholds all things by the word of His power." This means that Jesus is not only responsible for the beginning of the world but also for its continuation.
He also is responsible for its consummation–a big word that describes the fulfillment of his plan for human history.
The very center of his plan, the reason why he was born, was not only to be our Creator but our Redeemer.
For, the one who made the stars with his hands also allowed those hands to be nailed for our sins. He was crucified and buried. But then he rose from the grave and now reigns as the King who one day will return to make all things new and right.
As the Word of God, Jesus reveals who God is, speaks God's truth, and secures our reconciliation with God as Father, saying from the cross, "It is finished."
To him, we give all thanks and praise for the glory of his amazing grace!
Discussion Questions
What did the word "logos" mean for the ancient Greeks and for the Jews?
How does Jesus fulfill these concepts?
How is Jesus more than just a special man or gifted teacher?
How does Jesus being the creator and sustainer of all things change your view of Jesus?
What does it feel like to know that Jesus holds not only the world but your life in his nail-scarred hands?
A Suggested Prayer
Dear Father in heaven,
We thank You for revealing to us the truth of Jesus as the Word, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. We ask you would give us a deeper understanding and appreciation of who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
We pray that as we meditate on Your Word, Your Spirit would reveal more of Jesus to us. Help us to see Jesus more clearly and to understand His power and love for us. May we be filled with worship and gratitude as we consider all that Jesus has done and will do.
We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.