What does it mean that Jesus is the Word of God? What are John 1:1, 14 talking about?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

John called Jesus “the Word” (logos in Greek) to describe Him as God’s eternal self-revelation. In Greek philosophy, logos referred to reason or the principle that ordered the universe, but John used the term to show that Jesus is far greater—He is the eternal God who makes Himself known to the world.

John begins by declaring that the Word existed before creation, was with God, and was fully God (John 1:1–2). Everything that came into being was made through Him, showing that the Son is the divine agent of creation (John 1:3). As the source of life and light for humanity, He is the One who overcomes the darkness of sin and death (John 1:4–5).

John then explains that the Word became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14). In Jesus, the eternal Son took on true humanity while remaining fully God, so that people could see God’s glory revealed in Him. Through His words, works, and ultimately His death and resurrection, He made the Father known (John 1:18). To say that Jesus is the Word of God means He is both the eternal Creator and the perfect revelation of God to mankind.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Jesus being the Word of God is found in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Greek philosophy, logos (“word”) referred to reason or the principle that ordered the universe, but John used the term to show that Jesus is far greater—He is the eternal God who makes Himself known to the world.
• John begins his Gospel by declaring that “the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” demonstrating that Jesus is fully divine while personally distinct from the Father (John 1:1–2). He is not a separate god or a created being, but the eternal Son through whom all things came into existence (John 1:3).
• John also stated, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4–5). Jesus embodied God’s self-disclosure, shining light into a dark world and offering eternal life to those who believe (John 8:12; 11:25–26). As the Word, He is not only God’s message but also the source of the new life that the message brings.
• The climax of John’s prologue occurs in the statement that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). In Jesus, God took on true humanity without ceasing to be divine, so men and women could visibly see His glory. The disciples observed His grace and truth, and through His life and teachings, He revealed the Father (John 1:18).
• Other New Testament writers echoed what John taught. The author of Hebrews said, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:1–3). He was saying that the Father now speaks through Jesus, who is also divine (His “exact imprint”).
• Similarly, Paul called Christ “the image of the invisible God …. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:15–16). Like John, Paul was saying that everything was created through Him. Also, like John, he said, “in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Colossians 1:19). That is, Jesus, in His humanity, was also fully God, revealing the invisible God to the world.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Because the Word became truly human, we are not left to wonder what God is like. In Jesus’ words, compassion, and obedience to the Father, He showed God’s heart in a way people could see and understand. That is, to know Jesus is to know God. How do we know Jesus? Scriptures accurately teach us about Him, with the Gospels providing a particularly clear picture of Jesus’ time on earth.

Jesus came for more than simply revealing God, however. He came because we are unable to have a relationship with God because we are sinners, and God will have nothing to do with sinners. Jesus added flesh so He could live the perfect life none of us has lived and then die as a substitute for sinful men and women. When Jesus died, the Father poured out His wrath for sin against Jesus. This is why John said that He is the life—through Him, our sins are forgiven, paving the way for eternal life with God.

If you have not trusted in Christ, we urge you to turn to Him in faith today. Repent of your sin and confess that His death and resurrection are both necessary for salvation and all you need to be saved. When you do, you will be eternally secure because your salvation is based on Jesus’ work. When you do, you will have eternal life and live with Him forever.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus is the eternal Word, fully God and Creator.
• Jesus became flesh to reveal God’s glory and truth.
• To know Jesus is to know God.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that Jesus is both eternal God and Creator change the way you view Him?
• How do you see God’s glory and truth through Jesus?
• If to know Jesus is to know God, how are you making space in your life to know Him more deeply, especially through His Word?

ENGAGE

• How does John’s description of Jesus as the eternal Word shape the way we talk about His divinity and humanity?
• Why is it significant that Jesus became flesh rather than only revealing God from heaven?
• How can we encourage each other to keep Jesus central as the perfect revelation of God?