John 1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  All things were created through Him, and apart from Him, not one thing was created.  Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.  That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 (HCSB)

The deity of Jesus is a touchy subject for many people.  Setting aside the world’s opinions for a moment, it amazes me how many professing believers refuse to recognize that Jesus was fully God and fully man.  Perhaps, they deny His deity because acknowledging it means they must be accountable to Him, that there would be no higher authority to appeal to.  The truth is, we are accountable to His deity, whether we accept it or not, by virtue of His deity!   John is putting this debate to rest.

In Mark 8, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

The disciples responded to Jesus’ question, “Who do people say that I am?” with various descriptions they had overheard the crowds giving: “He’s a good man,” “He’s a prophet,” He’s Elijah or John’ The Baptist’ come to life again.”

Then He asked, “Who do YOU say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of God!” Right you are, Peter.

Within the context & understanding of the average Jew in Jesus’ day, the terms “Messiah” and “Son of God” carried different implications as they may take today.  They were more than words describing a person with a “close affiliation” or “familial relationship” with God.  They were names for God, Himself!

Creation originated from the Godhead Person, known as the “Word of the Lord.”  Even the Psalms are clear on this message.

“For the Word of the Lord is right, and all His work is trustworthy.  He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love.   The heavens were made by the Word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth.  He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap; He puts the depths into storehouses.  Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.  For He spoke and it came into being; He commanded, and it came into existence.” Psalm 33:4-9 (HCSB)

Jesus is that Person known as “The Word.”  The prophet Micah spoke of His eternal existence:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2 (NKJV)

“The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.  We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (HCSB)