25 December 2011
John 1:1-18
Dec/25/11 13:53
John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word… (John 1:1)
In the first phrase, John sets himself apart from the other gospels. The gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as a man of action. One of Mark’s favorite words is “immediately”. In John Jesus is a man of speech. John first major section is called the book of signs. The pattern is one half chapter to describe the sign and two and a half chapters to discuss its meaning. The Last Supper in John becomes a four chapter discourse from Jesus.
It would be a mistake to think of this Word in John as being anything like human words. We live in a world where we distrust words. Words are cheap and often do not correspond with actions.
According to John, this Word was present before creation. It was spoken and all things were created. Put another way, this Word causes action. There can be no difference between what is said and what is done. This Word becomes action. Jesus speaks and the water turns to wine. Jesus blesses the food and 5000 are fed. Jesus calls his name and Lazarus leaves the grave and becomes alive.
According to John 1:1-18, this Word created all that is. This Word creates light in the darkness and brings life to all people. This Word has been rejected even by His own people.
To put it simply, this Word was more than the word of God, this Word was God become flesh.
One final comment before proceeding, in the gospel of John the word “glory” always refers to Jesus on the cross.
In the beginning was the Word… (John 1:1)
In the first phrase, John sets himself apart from the other gospels. The gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as a man of action. One of Mark’s favorite words is “immediately”. In John Jesus is a man of speech. John first major section is called the book of signs. The pattern is one half chapter to describe the sign and two and a half chapters to discuss its meaning. The Last Supper in John becomes a four chapter discourse from Jesus.
It would be a mistake to think of this Word in John as being anything like human words. We live in a world where we distrust words. Words are cheap and often do not correspond with actions.
According to John, this Word was present before creation. It was spoken and all things were created. Put another way, this Word causes action. There can be no difference between what is said and what is done. This Word becomes action. Jesus speaks and the water turns to wine. Jesus blesses the food and 5000 are fed. Jesus calls his name and Lazarus leaves the grave and becomes alive.
According to John 1:1-18, this Word created all that is. This Word creates light in the darkness and brings life to all people. This Word has been rejected even by His own people.
To put it simply, this Word was more than the word of God, this Word was God become flesh.
One final comment before proceeding, in the gospel of John the word “glory” always refers to Jesus on the cross.