In the first fourteen verses of John 1, "The Word" is repeated. By grouping those phrases that describe the theme introduced in verse 1, we can learn more about "The Word" quickly. "In the beginning was the Word" [v.1]; "And the Word became flesh..." [v.14]. "And the Word was with God" [v.1], and the Word "dwelt among us" [v.14]. "And the Word was God" [v.1], and the Word was "full of grace and truth" [v.14]. It is impossible for anyone to fully explain God. However, the theme of the Gospel of John is that God is explaining Himself to us in ways we can understand. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself."
To the Jews reading this, there would likely be an immediate hostile response when they see this "Word" identified as the Lord Jesus Christ. To Greeks, this might seem like a foolish idea. But to us who know Him and believe in Him wholeheartedly, this is a wonder of wonders. Our Lord and Savior is the Eternal God! He is not like God. He is not merely a god, nor is He only godlike. He does not just have a divine nature. He is the One True God - and yet, in these words, two Persons are mentioned. In this first verse of the book, which teaches us the truth that Jesus is God, there is a statement that reveals the two Persons of the Trinity that we call the Godhead.
Verse two not only repeats what was said in verse one but also teaches us who He is and what He is. He always was. He did not come into being at a specific time. He did not become a Person when He was conceived in the virgin Mary's womb. He existed as a Person from all eternity. He is, always was, and always will be, the Eternal Son of God. He did not become a son; He always was the Son. He did not become God after His crucifixion and resurrection, as some religions teach. The physical changes He took on after His resurrection did not make Him any more than He was before. By His own choice, He limited Himself as a man when He made Himself known among men. His character never changed. His power was never limited — He only limited the use of His powers to keep showing who He was and what He could do.
The theme of the book is established right in the first verses. It is then illustrated and described through a wide variety of examples and in the teaching He gave during encounters with different people in various life situations. In this book, He often offers profound lessons when engaging with individual people. Personal contact and communication with individuals are fundamental ways of conveying faithful words to "faithful men, that they may teach others also." The entire Gospel of John is presented to us so we will not misunderstand who the Lord Jesus Christ is—demonstrating His deity and humanity in the same Person—and to show the results God expects from this study: "that believing ye might have life through His name."
To seek to apply my learning and conduct in life practically, I must be careful to stay within the boundaries of scripture while allowing divine truth to challenge me to conform to the One in whom I believe. Trying to define the indefinable is a significant waste of time. However, understanding Jesus as God is a profound truth worth pursuing. To conceive of One who is eternal in His being and in all His existence is difficult for us, who measure time and space and are limited by distance.
So, I freely admit there are things far beyond my understanding, but in faith, I know they are not beyond my spiritual comprehension because, intentionally, God has chosen to reveal to us Jesus as "The Word.” I place my personal faith in Him and, with joy, accept Him as Lord. When I take that step of faith, difficult things become clearer. I can accept that the One on the throne in heaven was sent to earth. There was a purpose in God's mind when Emmanuel came here to dwell. Some things that are impossible to fully grasp in words must be demonstrated to be real. His coming as a man was a great act of grace when He who was rich became poor. I know if He had not been willing to come, every person would be lost forever.
He who was God and was with God became a man to be here with humanity, to reach people on the earth that was His footstool. He crossed a vast gap, deliberately limiting the use of His almighty power and divine authority, and humbled Himself. As the God-Man, He was human but never ceased to be divine. His creative powers were not limited, but to identify with us, He was found in human form so that we would trust in Him who is truly one of us. Every step of His life, every miracle performed: turning water into wine, walking on water, and calming a storm, proved that His powers were not diminished; they were His to use when He chose to. Through "The Word that dwelt with us," we can be eternally blessed.