The most beloved of all the Disciples writes to us his gospel and he does not start his gospel with a baby Jesus in a manager. His gospel goes back to the very beginning to even before Genesis 1:1 (God’s start with a purpose) if that is possible.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. John 1:1-2 ESV

“the Word” that John uses here to open his gospel in the original Greek is λόγος or in the English transliteration is “Logos”. Logos for the Jews is how God created and how He spoke the world and the universe into existence. For the Greeks it is intelligence and the essence of communication. God created not with hands of a moral man but as an infinite being. He spoke into existence time, matter, energy, and even life itself. For both the Jew and the Greek the Word has a significance and a weight to how one thinks and how one lives. God who is “the Word” came in a new way that is superior to the old way.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 ESV

While many people understand and acknowledge that there is a creator what many do not understand is how that Creator interacts with His creation. The “Word became flesh and dwelt among us”. This Word that was with God in the beginning has now taken on the form of a human. Prior to this point in the historical timeline God’s interaction with Man was through the convent and sacrificial program of the priestly nation state of Israel.

8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exodus 25:8 ESV

 16 The Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before the Lord and died, 2 and the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he may not die. For I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. Leviticus 16:1-2 ESV

The Gospel of John declares a new Tabernacle. Not one where God dwells separate from Man but a new tabernacle in the form of a man who represents God and is God on earth.

Why has God lowered himself to be a man? Why does God choose to interact with His creation in this way? John quoting Jesus answers this question.

51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:51 ESV

The Word is made flesh so that this Son of man sent by God may proclaim God’s words to every human being. This man who is God has come to give good news. To proclaim the Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ who is God. The Gospel is God reconciling and making himself available to be in a relationship as father and child with His creation.

If you enjoyed this then click the like button, leave a comment, or ask a question! Also if you want to continue John answers one of the big questions in life later in his gospel. Does Jesus heal?