The Word made Flesh

John 1:1, 14

Let’s begin this discussion by asking what do we know about John, the writer of this gospel? We know that John was one of Jesus’ original disciples and of His inner circle. Also, John was the fore runner of Jesus Christ, and verse 20 John clearly states that he is “not the Christ”. Then what makes John presentation of Jesus different from the other gospel writers? John focuses primarily on the deity of Christ by stating, “that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). Next John presents Jesus as “the Word”, with this presentation of Jesus, John presents Jesus “as the personal Word of God”. Scripture tells us that at different times God have spoken to humanity through the prophets, but speaking through His Son represents, (a) the perfect nature and wisdom of God, and (b) Jesus as “the Word” reveals the heart and mind of God (KJV).
Additionally, by John presenting Jesus as “the Word” points out three main characteristics of Him being “the Word” as it relates to (a) His Father, (b) His relationship to the world, and (c) His relationship to mankind. If we look at each, we will find that Jesus existed with His Father before the creation of the world. It is through Jesus Christ that God the Father created and sustains the world (Colossians 1:15). This means that Jesus Christ was in existence with His Father from eternity and having the same nature as His Father (Colossians 2:9; Mark 1:11, note KJV). Finally, verse 14 talks about the “the Word was make flesh” this is the relationship with humanity in that Jesus was born of a woman (Mary) bringing salvation to man. Let’s look at verse 14 and glean some facts, first we have “the Word” being made “flesh” this goes to the heart of Christ’s birth as man. Jesus Christ entered the human race while remaining the eternal God, who had been in existence from eternity. This is where humanity and deity came together, in Jesus Christ. Second, let’s look at the phrase “the only begotten”. This phrase further authenticates Jesus’ deity and His Trinitarian sonship is on display here. In addition, verse 14 refers back to 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God”. Third, the phrase “and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory)”. This means that Jesus Christ as the Word and Son of God came to earth to live as mortal man while maintaining His deity; as the news of His glorious birth spread many came to worship the baby Jesus. In His humble birth He was being glorified by angles (the heavenly host), the shepherds who were tending their flock, and the three wise men. Question, what are we going to do? In looking at the last two phrases of this verse, let’s pose a question, why is Christ’s “glory to beheld”? He is the “only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”. If we look at the word “only” which signifies uniqueness, or one of a kind; in laymen’s terms there is no other like this one, Jesus Christ. The word “begotten”, means that God is His Father--Joseph was Jesus’ earthly father. Finally, we see Him being “full of grace and truth”. This is because He is God’s Son and being in existence with God in the beginning He knows all things. How do we see grace? It is often referred to as God’s Righteousness At Christ’s Expense (Dr. Charles Stanley).

In closing this dialog, let’s look at how the other three gospel writers present Jesus; Matthew present Jesus as the Son of the living God and the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets. Mark present Jesus as the Son of God and the Suffering Messiah by focusing on what Jesus did as oppose to what He said. Luke presents Jesus as the Son of Man, thus tracing His genealogy back to Adam. Luke’s presentation of Jesus focuses on His ministry in three components (a) His Galilean ministry, (b) Jesus’ ministry during His final journey to Jerusalem, and (c) Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem. Concluding the gospel writers’ presentation of Jesus Christ, it is proof positive that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and on His birth “the Word was made flesh.” Glory to the Word, Jesus Christ!

Email: wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
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