As we delve into our study of the Gospel of John, we find ourselves face-to-face with the most profound question anyone can ask: Who is Jesus Christ? John's gospel, unlike the other three, doesn't begin with a genealogy or the story of Jesus' birth. Instead, it starts with a theological and philosophical declaration that has captivated minds for two millennia:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God." (John 1:1-2)
In these two verses, John presents us with three fundamental truths about Jesus Christ: His eternality, His identity, and His nature. Let's explore each of these in turn.
The Eternality of Jesus Christ
John begins his gospel with the phrase "In the beginning," echoing the opening words of Genesis. This is no coincidence. John wants us to understand that before God said, "Let there be light," before the creation of the world, Jesus Christ already existed.
The Greek verb used here for "was" (ēn) is in the imperfect tense, indicating continuous action in the past. We might paraphrase it as "was continually existing." There was never a time when the Word was not. Jesus Christ is eternal, without beginning or end.
This truth is crucial for our faith. Only an eternal God can offer eternal life. Only a self-sufficient, eternal being can be entrusted with our greatest need - salvation.
The Identity of Jesus Christ: The Logos
John identifies Jesus as "the Word" (Logos in Greek). This term is pregnant with meaning for both Jewish and Greek audiences, to whom John was writing.
For the Jews, the Logos represented:
- The wisdom of God (as personified in Proverbs 8)
- The revelation of God (as in "the word of the Lord came to...")
For the Greeks, the Logos signified:
- Power and causation behind the universe
- The great mind orchestrating all things
- Ultimate truth
- The measure of morality
- Supreme authority
By using this term, John is declaring that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of both Jewish expectations and Greek philosophical ideals. He is the wisdom of God made manifest, the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. He is the power behind the universe, the mind that gives it order, the source of all truth and morality, and the ultimate authority.
The Nature of Jesus Christ: Fully God
John doesn't stop at identifying Jesus as the Logos. He goes on to make two profound statements about Jesus' nature:
- "The Word was with God" - This indicates a distinct personhood. The Greek preposition used (pros) suggests a face-to-face relationship, implying intimate communion.
- "The Word was God" - This is perhaps the most direct assertion of Jesus' deity in Scripture. The Logos is not merely an attribute or emanation of God, but of the same essence and nature as God.
These statements introduce us to the doctrine of the Trinity. Jesus is distinct from the Father (He was "with God") yet fully divine ("was God"). This truth is foundational to our understanding of who Jesus is and how we relate to Him.
Why This Matters: The Importance of Christology
As we study the book of John, our goal is to develop an elevated Christology - a higher, more accurate understanding of who Jesus Christ is. This is not merely an academic exercise. Our view of Christ shapes our entire faith and life.
If we diminish Christ's deity or eternality, we undermine the very foundation of our salvation. Only the eternal, divine Son of God could bear the infinite weight of God's wrath against our sin. Only the Creator of all things could recreate us as new creatures in Him.
Moreover, understanding Jesus as the Logos helps us engage with our culture. Like the ancient Greeks, many today are searching for ultimate meaning, truth, and morality. We can confidently proclaim that what they're seeking is found in Jesus Christ.
Looking Ahead: Jesus as Creator
As we continue our journey through John's gospel, we'll see how John builds on this foundation. In verse 3, he'll declare Jesus as the Creator of all things. This truth is crucial for our evangelism and apologetics in a world that often denies the existence of a Creator.
Understanding Jesus as Creator helps us grasp the full scope of the gospel. Before we can truly appreciate Jesus as Savior, we must recognize Him as our Creator. We owe our very existence to Him, and this amplifies both our need for redemption and the wonder of His grace in providing it.
Conclusion: Beholding the Glory of Christ
The Gospel of John invites us to behold Jesus Christ in all His glory - eternal, divine, creator, and savior. As we study this book, my prayer is that our vision of Christ will be enlarged, our love for Him deepened, and our commitment to Him strengthened.
May we, like John, become so enthralled with the love of Christ that we can only describe ourselves as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." And may our elevated view of Christ compel us to share this good news with a world desperately in need of the Logos - the eternal Word made flesh.
As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, let's approach each passage with this question in mind: "What does this teach me about who Jesus Christ is?" For in knowing Him truly, we find life eternal.
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3)
