John 1:1-18

The Word

The fourth gospel is my favorite book in the Bible. That is saying a lot because Isaiah, Genesis, Romans, and Colossians are also very high on my list. OK, about 15 or 20 of the 66 books really make up my top 10, but John is consistently number 1 for me.

John identifies Jesus as the Word. The term in Greek is “Logos” and in addition to meaning “Word” it is also seen as the animating principle pervading the Universe. Without Him nothing was made that has been made. He is the true light that gives light to every man.

Growing up I was told that Jesus is the Living Word and the Bible is the Written Word. If this is so then what applies to One would often apply to the other. I’m sure that there are many way in which this is true. Here are a few to prime the meditative pump.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” The Psalmist said of the Scripture, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Ps. 119:105)

Philippians 2:9 says of Jesus that, “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” Psalm 138:2 says, “For you have exalted above all things your name and your word.”

Jesus said, “Whoever feeds on me will live because of me.” Moses and Jesus both said, “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

Jesus prayed in John 17, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” This is why He said on the cross, “It is finished.” Isaiah 55:10-11 says, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

There is more, much more, but this is a start. Did I mention that John is my favorite book?