The Word

May 11

Judges 19-21

Psalm 58:6-11

Proverbs 13:11-12

John 1

The Word

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.  Life was in Him and that life was the light of men.  That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it. But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name.”  John 1:1-5, 12 HCSB

John begins his gospel by introducing Jesus.  In this chapter John tells us who Jesus is and the purpose for which He came to Earth.  He uses a term that was very familiar to the Greek and Jewish people of his day.  The Greek word translated “Word” in this passage is “Logos.”  Logos is often used to describe the instrument through which God carries out his will.  By introducing Jesus as “the Word,” John is making clear that He is the revelation of God.  Jesus is the instrument through which God’s will would be accomplished.  Not only does Jesus represent God and act as a mediator between God and man, but John is also declaring that Jesus is God.   He is also proclaiming that Jesus is distinct from God.  He tells us that Jesus was God and that He was with God.  He was fully God, and He was also fully human.   Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God who came to reveal God to man.

Verse 12 tells us that Jesus’ purpose in coming was to give everyone who received Him and believed on His name the right to be children of God.  He didn’t come to show us how to be good so we can earn the right to be children of God.  All He asks is that we receive Him and believe.  Faith is the key.  The Jews refused to receive Him because He didn’t meet their expectations.  They did not believe He was the Messiah.  Let us each wholeheartedly receive Jesus as the revelation of God and believe in His Holy name.