The Finished Word

In his introduction to First Corinthians, the Apostle Paul describes members of the congregation as those who are “ eagerly waiting for the Revelation of our Lord Jesus ,” an event he connects to the “ Day of the Lord .” In his letters, Paul refers to this glorious event as the ‘ Parousia ’ (“ arrival ”), the ‘ erchomai ’ (“ coming ”), and the ‘ epiphaneia ’ (“ manifestation ”) of Jesus, as well as his “ Revelation ” or ‘ apocalypsis .” By comparing how he applies these several terms, it becomes apparent that the same event is in view in each case, and always he applies whichever noun he uses in the singular number.

According to the Apostle John, “ Life ” is found in the “ Word ,” and that life is the “ Light of men .” It is “ shining in the darkness ,” and the darkness “ cannot seize ” or suppress it. This same “ Word ” or Logos has become “ flesh ,” the Living Word of God manifested in the man, Jesus of Nazareth. In him, the Glory and the Life of the God who created all things are manifested for all humanity to see.

At the Jordan River, John proclaimed a baptism in water “ for the remission of sins ,” and he announced the arrival of the “ Coming One .” The Baptist was the forerunner of the Messiah of Israel as promised in the Book of Isaiah - “ Behold, I send my messenger before your face… The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord .” This Coming One was the long-promised King of Israel who would baptize his people “ in spirit and fire .”

The Spirit of God and the voice from heaven confirmed the calling and identity of Jesus – the Son, Messiah, and the Servant of Yahweh .  In the Gospel of Mark , Jesus first appeared when he was baptized by John in the Jordan River. The passage identified him with his hometown of Nazareth, a small village of no consequence, though its very insignificance plays an important part in the narrative. He is the Messiah who does not conform to popular expectations even as he is anointed by the Spirit of God in fulfillment of Scripture.

The Prologue of the Gospel of John presents key themes that are expanded in the body of the Book. Most critically, Jesus is the Logos , the “ Word become flesh ” in whom life and light are revealed and received by penitent men and women. He is the true “ Tabernacle ” where God’s “ Glory ” dwells. Moreover, in his Prologue, John employs imagery from the history of Israel to illustrate what God now provides to mankind in His “ only born Son .”