The Word and the Words
St. John, in his Gospel account, refers to Jesus as “the Word made flesh” (John 1:14). Indeed, there and elsewhere Jesus is recognized as the Word of God incarnate, just as the Bible is rightfully viewed as the written Word of God.
It is from the words of Holy Scripture that one can have an understanding about Him Who is the Word of God incarnate, i.e. the Word made flesh.
Throughout the Old Testament and in the books of the New, prophets, apostles, and others offer any reader an accurate portrait of the Son of God, Who came to earth to be the Savior of the human race.
For me, Jesus is not only The Word, but the key word. In any speech, or in reading any sentence, one is often dependent on a key word in order to comprehend the whole.
I am privileged to have been in many countries of the world, having actually lived in five different continents. Thus, in talking with people from language groups other than the ones I can speak, the conversation is normally carried on in English. Quite frequently, however, the one in dialogue with me has a limited knowledge of the English language, both for speaking and, even more, for understanding. As I say something they can’t grasp, I have to repeat, using other simpler terms or clarifying the full meaning, offering sense to the entire phrase. The key word is often what brings clarity to any sentence!
And so is Jesus in the world! He is the key word whenever we can’t discern what is happening on earth. As misunderstanding, chaos, illness, wars, and all else that is evil prevail, only Jesus can restore meaning again, or provide it for the first time. Jesus came into the world to make sense of all that is confusing, all that has become distorted through the manifold damages caused by the reality of sin in the world.
Indeed, in the midst of all blasting noises of worldly sirens beckoning people’s attention, one only needs to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of one’s faith (Hebrews 12:2), and seek from Him the proper perception and meaning He alone can impart. He is the light of the world, He is the truth, He remains the only way to God.
To see Him more clearly, one does not seek a physical Jesus, but the One Whose deeds are faithfully described in the Bible. In this sense only the words bring clarity to our understanding of the Incarnate Word.
It is the words of Scripture far more than the words of preachers and theologians, that bring light and life to anyone longing for resources He alone can and does provide! Human words may sow confusion and even lead some astray; God’s Word abides forever and it never deceives anyone!
