In this study, we delve into the verse John 1:1 - one of the most profound and theologically rich verses in the entire New Testament. The statement 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God' introduces us to the divinity of Jesus, the Word made flesh.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.The verse begins with 'In the beginning,' harking back to Genesis 1:1, suggesting that the Word, Jesus, existed before all things. The phrase 'the Word was with God' illustrates the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father. And finally, 'the Word was God' affirms Jesus' divinity, reasserting that He is not a creation, but God Himself.
Biblical Examples
- In John 8:58, Jesus proclaims, 'Before Abraham was, I am.' This statement from Jesus not only asserted His existence before Abraham, but also used the language that God used to identify Himself to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). The phrase 'I am' is a direct translation from the Hebrew YHWH, God's personal name. By using this phrase, Jesus was identifying Himself as God in an undeniable and provocative way.
- In the episode of John 10:30, Jesus declares, 'I and the Father are one.' In this statement, Jesus proclaims His divinity in a direct and unequivocal way. He is not merely asserting an intimate relationship with God the Father, but is declaring that He and the Father are of the same essence, the same divinity. This is a direct claim to His divine nature and co-equality with the Father.
- In John 14:9, Jesus tells Philip, 'Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.' In this passage, Jesus is responding to Philip who had asked to see the Father. Jesus explains that to see Him is to see the Father, because He is the exact expression of God. It is a powerful affirmation of Jesus's divinity, showing that He not only reflects God but is God in essence and nature.
Complementary Verses
John 1:14
... The Word became flesh and dwelt among us ...This verse is a direct continuation from John 1:1, displaying the incarnation of the Word, Jesus Christ. The statement that the Word 'became flesh' is an affirmation that God became human, took on our nature, and lived among us. It's one of the strong points in John's gospel that establishes Jesus' divinity. The fact that the Word 'dwelt' among us suggests the idea of intimacy and closeness, something that is only possible through the incarnation. The transcendent God became immanent in Jesus.
John 8:58
... Before Abraham was, I am ...Jesus, here, makes a bold claim of His divinity. The 'I am' in the verse is a direct reference to Exodus 3:14 where God identifies Himself to Moses as 'I Am Who I Am'. By using this phrase, Jesus was identifying Himself as the eternal God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This statement caused a great scandal among the Jews, as they understood Jesus was equating Himself with God, something considered blasphemy if it were not true.
John 20:28
... Thomas acknowledges Jesus as Lord and God ...In this verse, Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples, expresses his faith in Jesus' divinity by proclaiming Him as 'Lord' and 'God'. This is a climax point in the gospel of John, where Jesus' divinity is openly acknowledged and confessed. Jesus' acceptance of this statement without contest is a silent confirmation of His divinity. Therefore, John's gospel presents Jesus not only as the promised Messiah, but as God Himself made flesh.
The highlighted examples clearly demonstrate how the Gospel of John presents the divinity of Jesus. In every passage, Jesus asserts His divinity in a direct and incontestable way, whether through claims of pre-existence, co-equality with the Father, or being the visible manifestation of God.
Jesus's divinity is a central pillar of Christian theology. By recognizing Jesus as God, we understand that His life, death, and resurrection carry eternal and salvific significance. Through His divinity, Jesus fulfills God's promise of redemption for humanity.
These passages challenge us to recognize and accept Jesus's divinity in our lives. They remind us that Jesus is not just a great teacher or a prophet, but the incarnate God who came into the world to save us.
Practical Application
Recognizing Jesus as the Divine Word in daily life
In the Gospel of John, Jesus is presented as the Word, the Logos, who was with God in the beginning and who was God. How can we incorporate this truth into our daily lives? To start, we can acknowledge Jesus' divinity in our prayers, praising him as the eternal God, the Creator of all things and the sustainer of our lives. This helps us to have a deeper understanding of his divinity and draws us closer to him. Furthermore, we can seek to see Jesus in all areas of our lives, recognizing that he is in everything and in everyone. This allows us to live with a sense of reverence and wonder towards God.Studying Jesus' divinity in community
Jesus' divinity is a central concept of Christianity that can be explored in community. In Bible study groups, we can discuss the meaning of the term 'Word' in John 1:1, investigating how it relates to Jesus' divinity. This can lead to deep discussions about the nature of God and Jesus' role in creation. Additionally, we can share about how Jesus' divinity affects our relationship with him and how it influences our worldview and daily behavior.Reflecting on Jesus' divinity in daily life
Jesus' divinity is a truth that we can reflect on in our quiet moments and reflection times. We can consider how this truth changes our understanding of who God is and what His purpose is for us. For instance, knowing that Jesus is God reminds us that he is sovereign over all things and that we can trust him in all circumstances. This can give us peace amidst life's storms. Moreover, Jesus' divinity helps us understand that he fully understands our struggles and temptations since he was also human, which gives us comfort and assurance.