Jesus as “the Word” (Logos), God's reason for everything

I enjoyed this presentation of John 1:1 by Timothy Keller, here's the big idea:

The title “the Word” comes from the Gospel of John. John uses the Greek term Logos to explain who Jesus is and why He matters. In the ancient world, logos referred to reason, order, and purpose. John applies that idea directly to Christ.

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1. The Word is eternal and is God

John begins with a clear claim about Jesus’ identity:

• “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

• “Through him all things were made.” (John 1:3)

This establishes that Jesus is not created. He is eternal and fully divine.

• “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17)

• “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever.” (Hebrews 1:8)

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2. The Word became a person

• “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

The Logos is not abstract. God’s reason and purpose entered history in the person of Jesus Christ.

• “Being in very nature God… he made himself nothing… being made in human likeness.” (Philippians 2:6–7)

• “He appeared in the flesh.” (1 Timothy 3:16)

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3. The Word reveals God fully

• “No one has ever seen God; the only Son… has made him known.” (John 1:18)

• “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

Jesus is the visible expression of the invisible God.

• “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” (Hebrews 1:3)

• “The image of the invisible God.” (Colossians 1:15)

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4. The Word is the source of life and light

• “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (John 1:4)

He is not only Creator, but Sustainer and giver of true life.

• “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)

• “In him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

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5. The Word defines the purpose of human life

• “He came to that which was his own.” (John 1:11)

• “For through him and for him all things were created.” (Colossians 1:16)

Human beings were made through Him and for Him.

• “From him and through him and to him are all things.” (Romans 11:36)

• “Whether you eat or drink… do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Alignment with Christ is alignment with purpose.

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6. The right response is relationship, not just understanding

• “To all who received him… he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

• “You shall love the Lord your God…” (Matthew 22:37)

The Greeks pursued meaning through reasoning. John reveals that ultimate meaning is found in knowing a Person.

• “This is eternal life: that they know you… and Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3)

• “Abide in me, and I in you.” (John 15:4)

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Bottom line

Jesus is called “the Word” because He is:

• God’s eternal reason and creative power

• God revealed in human form

• The source and goal of all life

He is not an idea to analyze, but a Person to know, trust, and love. Here's the full sermon: Advent: The Word – Timothy Keller [Sermon]