In the Bible, a name often signifies a person's identity, purpose, and reputation. It's not just a way to distinguish one person from another; it's a profound statement about who they are. Throughout this study, we'll explore how the names given to Jesus—from Old Testament prophecies to New Testament revelations—build a complete picture of His role in God's redemptive plan.
In this session we finish our look at the name/title The Word
John 1:1-14 (NIV) ¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." - Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:23 NLT “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
Key Scripture: John 1:1-14
We will be spending most of our time in this passage.
John 1:1-14 (NIV) ¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
⁶ There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God2.
¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Last week
1. The Identity of the Word (John 1:1-5)
The Greek word for "Word" is Logos. In ancient Greek philosophy, the Logos was a complex concept often referring to the divine reason or mind that gives order and meaning to the universe. John uses this term intentionally to communicate that Jesus is the ultimate, personal, and living Logos—not an abstract philosophical idea, but the very mind and purpose of God made manifest.
2. The Witness to the Word (John 1:6-9)
"John" is John the Baptist. He was a man sent from God with a specific, divinely ordained purpose: to be a witness to the Light. His ministry was to prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah. He did this by preaching a message of repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River as a sign of their commitment to turn away from sin and prepare their hearts for the coming of the Lord.
His purpose was not to draw attention to himself, but to direct people's focus entirely to Jesus.
John 1:19-23 NIV [19] Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. [20] He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” [21] They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” [22] Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” [23] John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ”
Today we are going to talk about the Word actually becoming flesh, becoming a human being, becoming Immanuel, which means God with us.
[14] So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
The Incarnation of the Word (John 1:10-14)
John 1:10-14 NLT [10] He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. [11] He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. [12] But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. [13] They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. [14] So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
Verse 10 says the world was made through Him, yet the world "did not recognize him." Why do you think people failed to recognize their Creator?
The World's Spiritual Blindness
The primary reason people failed to recognize Jesus was due to spiritual blindness. In the Bible, this blindness is often described as a result of sin and the influence of the world's values, which are in opposition to God's truth. The world was looking for a specific kind of Messiah—a powerful, political figure who would overthrow the Roman oppressors and restore Israel's earthly kingdom. Jesus, however, came as a humble servant, teaching a message of love, repentance, and self-sacrifice. His identity didn't fit their preconceived notions, so they couldn't see Him for who He truly was. As far as they were concerned this guy was just Joseph’s son and although He may have been a big shot he was just Joseph’s son
Luke 4:16-22 NIV [16] He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, [17] and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to prolaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” [22] All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked
The Problem of Darkness
People's minds and hearts were hardened, making them unwilling or unable to receive the light of Christ.
John 3:18-21 NLT [18] “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. [19] And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. [20] All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. [21] But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
The Light of the world was present, but many preferred to remain in the comfort of their own darkness rather than have their sins exposed.
A Lack of Openness to God's Guidance
The failure to recognize Jesus also speaks to a broader lack of openness to God's guidance. The religious leaders of the time, in particular, had become so focused on their own interpretations of the law and their own traditions that they missed the very fulfillment of the prophecies they studied.
Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 states, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
Fulfillment: The Gospel of Matthew directly connects this prophecy to the birth of Jesus. In Matthew 1:22-23, after an angel tells Joseph that Mary's child is conceived by the Holy Spirit, it says, "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."
Significance: The name "Immanuel" literally means "God with us." This prophecy points to a birth that would defy natural law and signify that the child would be more than just a man. He would be the physical embodiment of God's presence on Earth.
Prophecy: Micah 5:2 states, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins
Fulfillment: The Gospel of Matthew explicitly references this prophecy when King Herod asks the chief priests and scribes where the Messiah was to be born. They respond by quoting Micah 5:2, affirming that Jesus' birth in Bethlehem was the fulfillment of this ancient prediction (Matthew 2:4-6).are from of old, from ancient times."
Matthew 2:4-6 NIV [4] When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. [5] “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: [6] “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Significance: This prophecy is remarkable for its specificity, naming a seemingly insignificant village as the birthplace of the future ruler of Israel. It also hints at the Messiah's divine nature, noting that His "origins are from of old."
Their hearts weren't prepared to receive the Messiah as He truly was. This serves as a powerful reminder for us today to maintain a posture of humility and continuous self-reflection, so that we can be open to God's guidance and recognize His work in our lives, even when it doesn't fit our expectations.
Let’s look at John 1:12 NLT[12] But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
This is one of the most encouraging promises in the Bible.
What does it mean to "receive him" and "believe in his name"?
To "receive him" is an active, personal choice. It means to welcome Him into your life as your Lord and Savior. It implies a willing acceptance of who He is and what He came to do, embracing His teachings and His authority. We are to receive Jesus into our hearts and lives.
To "believe in his name" goes deeper than simply believing that He is a good person. In biblical culture, a person's "name" represented their entire character, identity, and authority. To believe in Jesus' name means to put your complete trust and reliance on His person—on who He truly is (the Son of God, the Messiah, the Lord) and on the finished work of His life, death, and resurrection. This belief is a commitment of your entire being to Him.
How does this belief transform our identity, according to verse 12?
The transformation of our identity is a change in our status and relationship with God.
We are given the "right to become children of God." This is not a right we earn through our own actions or lineage. It is a gift given by God's grace to those who receive and believe in Jesus. Before this, humanity is seen as created by God but alienated from Him due to sin. This verse promises a new, intimate relationship where we are adopted into His family.
This new identity as a "child of God" means we are no longer defined by our past sins or worldly status. We are given a new spiritual birth.
2 Corinthians 5, verse 17:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
This is a powerful passage that speaks to the transformative nature of a life committed to Christ, which aligns with the idea of a continuous process of self-reflection and aligning one's priorities with God's will. It highlights the profound change that takes place when a person's faith becomes
John 1:12-13 NLT [12] But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. [13] They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
Our new identity is rooted in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We become heirs with Christ, sharing in His divine nature and a new purpose.
Romans 8:16-17 NLT [16] For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. [17] And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
Romans 6:3-4:"Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Union with Christ: It signifies a spiritual identification with Christ. Just as you are "in Christ" through faith, baptism portrays this reality. You are "buried with him" and "raised with him" to a new life, leaving your old sinful self behind. This ties directly into the concept of becoming a "new creation" as we've discussed.
Death to Sin: The act of being submerged in the water symbolizes a death to one's former life of sin. It's a symbolic burial of the old self.
Resurrection to New Life: Rising from the water symbolizes being raised to a new life. This new life is one lived in obedience and alignment with God's will, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Public Declaration: It is a public testimony of one's faith and commitment. By being baptized, a believer is publicly identifying with Christ and joining his body, the church.
While the physical act of water baptism is an important command from Jesus (Matthew 28:19), the spiritual reality of being "baptized into Christ" is what transforms a person's life and sets them on the path of a new, faith-centered journey.
What does it mean to be a "joint heir" or "co-heir" with Christ?
This is a concept that comes directly from our identity as "children of God".
First, being an "heir of God" means that as His adopted children, we have a rightful claim to the inheritance of our Heavenly Father. This inheritance is not some worldly possession, but includes eternal life, a glorified body, a place in His eternal kingdom, and a share in His divine riches and blessings. It's a promise of a future with God that is secure and eternal.
Co-heirs with Christ: This is the most amazing part. It means that we share in the inheritance of Jesus Christ, God's one and only Son. Jesus, being the Son of God, is the rightful heir of all things. As "co-heirs" or "joint heirs," we are treated with the same rights and privileges as Christ. Everything that God has promised to Jesus as His Son, He has also promised to us through our union with Him. We are welcomed into God's family with the same love and acceptance as Jesus himself.
The verse also adds an important condition: "if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." This doesn't mean we earn our inheritance through suffering. Instead, it highlights that a life following Christ will often involve facing challenges and trials, much like Jesus did. However, this suffering is temporary, and it leads to an eternal glory that we will share with Him.
In essence, being a joint heir with Christ means that through faith, we are not only forgiven and adopted into God's family, but we are given a future so glorious and rich that it is on par with what the Son of God himself has inherited. It is the ultimate expression of God's love and grace toward us.
Finally today let’s look at
John 1:14 NLT [14] So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
What is the profound truth revealed in verse 14? The Word "became flesh." Why is this concept—God becoming a human being—so central and necessary to the Christian faith?
The profound truth revealed in John 1:14 is the
Incarnation—that the Word, who is God, "became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This verse confirms that Jesus is not just a prophet or a special man, but God Himself who took on human nature.
This concept of God becoming a human being is central and necessary to the Christian faith for several reasons:
Reconciling Humanity with God
Humanity's relationship with God was broken by sin. God, being holy and just, could not simply overlook sin. For our broken relationship to be repaired, a perfect sacrifice was needed. Only a being who was both fully human and fully divine could bridge this gap. As a man, Jesus could represent humanity and take the penalty for our sins. As God, His sacrifice was of infinite value, sufficient to pay the debt for all humanity for all time.
Romans 5:12-19 NLT [12] When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. [13] Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. [14] Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. [15] But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. [16] And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. [17] For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. [18] Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. [19] Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
Romans 6:23 NLT For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus' work on the cross was a direct response to the problem of sin that began with Adam. Jesus is the ultimate solution, offering a new path to righteousness and life to all who receive Him.
Revealing God's Nature
Before the Incarnation, God's nature was partially revealed through prophets and the law, but it was largely a mystery. When the Word "became flesh," God revealed Himself in a tangible, personal way. Through Jesus' life, teachings, and actions, we see God's character—His love, compassion, justice, and mercy—made visible. Jesus said,
John 14:9 NLT Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?
Empathizing with Our Human Experience
By becoming human, Jesus experienced the full spectrum of the human condition. He felt hunger, pain, temptation, and sorrow. He can, therefore, empathize with our struggles and weaknesses.
Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT [14] So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. [15] This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. [16] So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Demonstrating the Abundant Life
The Incarnation is the ultimate expression of God's love. By willingly leaving the glory of heaven to live as a man, Jesus demonstrated the depth of God's commitment to His creation. He brought grace and truth, showing humanity the way to live the abundant life.
John 10:10 NLT The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
His presence on earth made eternal life accessible to everyone who believes.
Application & Closing Reflection:
Since Jesus is the living Word of God, what does this mean for how we should approach and read the written Word (the Bible)? And how can we align our lives more closely with the will of God, who has perfectly revealed Himself in Jesus, the Word made flesh?
When we understand Jesus as the living Word of God, it changes how we approach and read the Bible. It's no longer just a collection of historical texts or moral lessons, but a testimony to Jesus Himself. This means the Bible is not an end in itself; it's a means to know and encounter the living God. Every part of Scripture—from the prophecies in the Old Testament to the teachings in the New Testament—ultimately points to Jesus and reveals His character and redemptive plan. Therefore, we should read the Bible with a purpose: to deepen our relationship with Jesus, not just to gather information.
We can align our lives more closely with the will of God, as perfectly revealed in Jesus, the Word made flesh, by following His example and teachings.
How to Align Our Lives
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are the most direct window into the will of God because they contain Jesus' words and actions. We can align our lives by studying these teachings and striving to live them out, particularly His emphasis on love for God and neighbor.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). As we read the Bible, we should pray for the Holy Spirit to give us understanding and help us apply God's will to our specific circumstances. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life that reflects Jesus.
This means seeking to obey Jesus' commands, not out of a sense of obligation, but out of a desire to please the one who first loved us. This obedience is a direct reflection of our faith and trust in Him.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Word, the perfect revelation of the Father. Thank you for humbling yourself to become flesh and dwell among us. Help us to truly receive you and live as children of God. May our lives be a reflection of your glory, full of grace and truth. Amen.
Next week Savior
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