INTRODUCTION: Why are there four Gospels? They are written from different viewpoints for different readers. Matthew was written to the Jews to present Jesus as the Messiah, and abounds with Old Testament quotations. Mark was written by Peter's nephew, and has the Romans in mind as recipients. Luke/Acts was written to the Greeks by a doctor and companion of Paul. John was written 30 or 40 years after the other three. John had read the other Gospels and want to make some additions and explanations. He delves into the deeper meaning behinds some of Jesus' sayings, and some of the events of Jesus' life. He wrote the book to bolster the faith of all Christians everywhere (John 20:30-31). As we study this book and take it to heart, the Holy Spirit will increase our faith. Chapter one was written to clarify and elaborate on the identity of Jesus. Who is this Jesus of Nazareth?

I. He is the living Word of God.

A. A word is a thing by which we communicate. Language must be guarded and preserved, not twisted and changed overnight, or we will lose our ability to think and understand and discuss and educate. If we lose our language, we also lose the written Word of God.

B. The Bible is God's written Word.

C. Jesus is God's living Word (Hebrews 1:1-3). Whenever God communicates "in the flesh" it is Jesus. Adam met Jesus in the garden of Eden. Abraham had lunch with Jesus and two angels on the way to Sodom and Gomorrah. Moses met Jesus in the burning bush. Jesus is the living Word of God, God's communication to mankind.

II. He is the Second Person of the Trinity.

A. He was WITH God -- i.e., not a form of God, separate from the Father.

B. He WAS GOD -- One with the Father. He is Jehovah in the flesh (John 8:52-59).

C. He was IN THE BEGINNING -- i.e., not created. He is the eternal God.

III. He is the Creator (John 1:3).

A. Genesis 1 and 2 is telling was of the work of Jesus.

B. Colossians 1:15-17 puts Jesus at the root of both Creation and Providence.

C. Hebrews 1:1-2 says the same thing.

IV. He is the Source of all Light and Life (John 1:4-5).

A. This is a world of darkness and death. People are spiritually dead until they are born again (Ephesians 2:1-3). People are blind to spiritual truth until they receive Jesus (I Corinthians 2:14).

B. People may be very "religious" and "spiritual," but still not be Christians, and still not know God. No one can know God except through the living Word, Jesus.

CONCLUSION: To summarize: Jesus is God. Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity. Jesus is the Creator. Jesus is the Source of all light and live. Jesus is our Sovereign Lord, and has commanded us to spread this truth at home and abroad (Matthew 28:18-20). Me we all rededicate ourselves to follow Him, and to make disciples of the nations. Amen.