The title of Jesus Christ as “the Word” (Logos in Greek) in the Gospel of John is one of the most profound descriptions of His person and work. This designation is introduced in John 1:1–18, a passage often called the Prologue of John.
Understanding Jesus as “the Word” involves exploring the theological, philosophical, and redemptive implications of this title.
The Meaning of “The Word” (Logos)
The Word as Eternal
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1
John begins by identifying Jesus as the eternal Logos. The phrase “in the beginning” recalls Genesis 1:1, linking Jesus to the eternal God who created all things. As the Word, Jesus has always existed, emphasizing His divinity and preexistence.
The Word as God
John explicitly states that “the Word was God.” This establishes the deity of Christ, showing that He is not a created being but shares the same essence as God the Father. He is distinct from the Father (“the Word was with God”) but fully divine.
The Word as the Agent of Creation
“All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.”
John 1:3
The Word is the means through which God created the universe. This affirms Christ’s role in the creation of all things, both visible and invisible, echoing themes found in Colossians 1:16 and Hebrews 1:2.
The Word as Life and Light
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
John 1:4
As the Word, Jesus is the source of life, both physical and spiritual. He is also the light that reveals God’s truth, shining into the darkness of a fallen world.
The Word Became Flesh
“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
The eternal Word took on human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. This is the doctrine of the Incarnation—God becoming man to dwell among His people and accomplish redemption.
Theological Implications of “The Word”
Revelation of God
As the Word, Jesus reveals God to humanity. Just as words communicate thoughts, Jesus makes the invisible God known (John 1:18). He is the perfect and final revelation of God, fulfilling the promises and shadows of the Old Testament.
Mediator of Creation and Redemption
The Word is both the agent of creation and the redeemer of creation. Through Him, God made the world, and through Him, God saves the world. This connects the Logos with both the Law and the Gospel: the Law reveals God’s righteous demands, and the Gospel reveals His provision in Christ.
The Trinity
The title “the Word” helps clarify the relationship between the Father and the Son within the Godhead. The Word is distinct from the Father (He is “with God”) yet fully shares in the divine essence (He “was God”). This supports the doctrine of the Trinity—one God in three Persons.
The Fulfillment of Old Testament Themes
The concept of the Word reflects Old Testament ideas:
- Creation by God’s Word: “And God said, ‘Let there be light.’” (Genesis 1:3)
- The Word as God’s Wisdom: Wisdom is personified in Proverbs 8 as present at creation.
- God’s Word as His Revelation: God’s Word in the Old Testament reveals His will and purposes (Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 55:11).
Philosophical Background of Logos
John’s audience included both Jews and Greeks, and the term Logos resonated deeply with both groups:
For Jewish Readers: The Logos connected to the Word of God in the Old Testament, which carried God’s power, wisdom, and self-revelation.
For Greek Readers: The Logos referred to the principle of reason and order in the universe, as used in Greek philosophy. By calling Jesus the Logos, John affirmed that the true source of order and meaning in the world is not an abstract principle but a divine person.
The Word and the Law/Gospel Distinction
Understanding Jesus as the Word helps illuminate the distinction between Law and Gospel. The Word reveals the Law, exposing humanity’s sinfulness and need for salvation. But the Word also brings the Gospel, declaring the work of redemption completed in Christ. The Word does not merely demand obedience; He fulfills the Law and offers grace and truth (John 1:14, 17).
Application for Believers
Worship Jesus as the Eternal Word
Recognize and worship Jesus as God’s eternal Son who reveals the Father perfectly and reigns as the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
Rest in the Word Made Flesh
The Incarnation shows God’s love and willingness to enter His creation to save His people. This truth should lead believers to marvel at the grace of God in Christ.
Proclaim the Word
As the Word is the light and life of humanity, believers are called to proclaim Jesus so that others may come to know Him and receive eternal life.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ as “the Word” is the eternal, divine revelation of God, the Creator of all things, and the Redeemer who became flesh to save His people. In this title, John captures the majesty, mission, and mystery of Christ, inviting us to behold His glory and believe in Him as the source of grace and truth.
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