The challenge was presented as a question. “What is the most you can say about who Jesus is…?” Enthusiasm was followed by offers to be first, until the question was finished, “…in the fewest number of words?”
“Jesus is love,” said one, “…He is holy.” “Jesus is kind,” called another, “…He is peace.” “Jesus is God….” While good and accurate, one-word descriptions were not the intent. A clarification was needed and the focus was narrowed. “What is the most you can say about Jesus as God in a short sentence?”
Had the apostle John participated in our exercise some might have cried “unfair” since he was assisted by the Holy Spirit to pen these words:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. The same was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1-2).
Of the first 13 verses in John 1, Merrill Unger labels John’s opening description a “declaration of eight great truths concerning our Lord Jesus Christ.” Four of these eight truths are contained in the first two verses. This has to be the most anyone could say about Jesus as God in a short sentence.
- Jesus was and is Eternal and existed before time and space was created, (1a).
- Jesus was and is a Person distinct from God the Father, (1b).
- Jesus was and is Equal with God the Father, (1c).
- Jesus Co-existed with God the Father from eternity past (that is, He was not born or created), (2).
We have to admit, John spoke volumes in those two-dozen mostly single syllable words. His thoughtful phrases have inspired many sermons, debates, and lectures that probe some very difficult questions. Why does John consider it important to believe that Jesus existed eternally? How do we know? Why does the Old Testament predominantly present God as the Father while only vaguely recognizing the Son? Does it make a difference that Jesus is distinct from the Father? Why is Jesus being equally God with the Father necessary? Don’t their titles imply a greater and lesser distinction? Why does Jesus’ deity pivot on His co-existence? Doesn’t God call Jesus His “only-begotten Son”? What does that mean?
John’s initial words are both simple (but not without reason) and profound (but not without belief). Each declaration of truth ignites our curiosity then serves as a key to unlock a door that can lead to a greater discovery of just how unique Jesus, the God-man, truly is.
As a preacher, John knew the power of words. Words communicate ideas and emotions. Words reveal what a person is thinking about and what he is like. Some use words adversely, to lead others astray. A few want their words to reflect what is true. When all is said and done, words do affect the way we think and act. Is it any wonder, then, that in the opening stanza of his book (and only here) John identifies Jesus as “The Word”? Like the words we use to speak, The Word revealed to humanity what God is really like. The Word communicated of whom He was thinking and what He intended to do.
As a disciple, John intimately knew the power of The Word. Why, because John could say more about Jesus as God in fewer words than anyone else? Hardly! John knew the power of The Word because he heard Him speak “the words of life” and believed.
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