God, The Word, is…
In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us… — John 1:1, 3, 4, 14
You are probably familiar with this passage from the Gospel of John. It sounds much like Genesis 1:1 but with a big revelation. Namely, the Word of God that spoke everything into existence took on human flesh and lived among His created beings. The incarnation of Jesus Christ!
Some theologians say that the incarnation might be the greatest mystery of the Christian faith. How is it possible that Jesus is 100 percent God and also 100 percent man? This is certainly not an easy teaching to understand or explain. But what can we understand about The Word from this scripture?
The Word is eternity.
“In the beginning…” — John 1:1
God’s Word is eternal. He was with God in the beginning.
The Word is personality.
“…the Word was with God…” — John 1:1
God’s Word is personal and relational. As a matter of fact, He is a person —namely, Jesus Christ.
The Word is deity.
“…the Word was God…” — John 1:1
God’s Word is divine, God from God, Light from Light.
The Word is creating.
“All things were made through him…” — John 1:3
God’s Word made everything that exists. Time, space, matter, and energy — everything seen and unseen was made by the creative Word of God.
The Word is animating.
“In him was life…” — John 1:4
God’s Word is alive. Think about that for a minute or two. Scripture expounds on this by saying God’s Word is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword, able to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow, discerning the thoughts of the mind and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
The Word is revealing.
“…the life was the light of men.” — John 1:4
God’s Word reveals truth. And God’s Word is truth, sanctifying those who have ears to hear and understand and eyes to see and perceive.
The Word is incarnate.
“The Word became flesh.” — John 1:14
God’s Word is 100 percent man and 100 percent God. Jesus Christ is the incarnate Word of God. And when He returned to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, Jesus did not leave us alone. He sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit — the same breath of God that hovered over the face of the waters right when God spoke His Words “Let there be light” on Day One.
Dear Father in Heaven,
I may not understand exactly how Jesus took on flesh to live among men, but I do believe. And I marvel at this miracle and mystery that displays Your full glory and divine attributes. You are eternal, personal, creative, and alive. You reveal Yourself so that the humans You created can know You and love You. May every word I utter point others to You, Your Son, and Your Spirit. And may Your Word be shared, heard, and believed.
In Jesus’s name. Amen.
Walking by faith and enjoying the homeschooling adventure of a lifetime!
Davis Carman
Davis is the president of Apologia Educational Ministries, the #1 publisher of Creation-based science and Bible curriculum. He is the author of five illustrated children’s books designed to help parents instill a biblical worldview in the hearts and minds of their preschoolers. He believes that if there was ever a time to homeschool, it is now! You can hear more of what he has to say at the Let’s Talk Homeschool Podcast.
© 2022 Davis Carman