Jesus: The Logos (The Meaningful Truth of John 1:1-5)
John’s Gospel offers perhaps the most compelling answer to the question: Who is Jesus? He started his Gospel with these mind-blowing words:
John 1:1 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. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not [overtake, overcome] it.
John is talking about Jesus in His ancient glory. This is the prequel to Jesus’ birth.
John calls the Son of God the “Word,” the “Logos” in Greek.
What in the World is “Logos,” and Why Should You Care?
To a Greek ear, “Logos” wasn’t just a word. It meant so much more. Think “logic,” “reason,” “purpose, and “meaning,” the very rationale behind something. It was the deep, underlying significance of everything.
People in John’s time wondered if there was meaning, ultimate truth, or LOGOS? And if there is, can it be known?
It’s the same as when we ask: “What is truth? Is there any meaning to life? Can meaning even be known? Is there a reason for existence, or is everything just random?”
Here’s the thing: if there’s no Logos, no overarching meaning, no clear rationale behind everything, then nothing has lasting purpose. Then there’s no universal truth for anyone. Just a swirling vortex of opinions, preferences, and feelings.
When that happens, we end up resorting to power, pleasure, identity politics, or online manipulation to get what we want. We divide into tribes, fighting over temporary things because there’s no ultimate meaning to unite us. It’s an empty, confusing, and often depressing way to live.
The Game-Changer: “There IS a Logos, and He’s a Person!”
But John drops a bombshell: “There IS a Logos!” And here’s the kicker: He’s not an idea, a philosophy, or a concept. He’s a Person.
John 1:2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
Think about that for a moment. Before the galaxies glittered, before the planets spun, the Logos already was. He wasn’t created; He’s eternal. He was in perfect, intimate relationship with God, and He was God. Not a lesser god, not god-like, but fully God.
And everything was made through Him, for Him, and to Him. The universe isn’t just a cosmic accident. It’s a divinely orchestrated symphony, with Jesus as its composer and conductor.
Why This Matters for Your Life, Right Now:
Your Life Has a Purpose: Since Jesus is the Logos, the ultimate meaning and reason for everything, Jesus is not merely part of your life. He is the reason you exist and the meaning behind it all. In other words, He is the whole point of living.
Additionally, your life isn’t random. You have an intentional, divine purpose woven into your very being. You are created in God’s image and redeemed by Christ’s blood for a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, in whom you find your worth, identity, meaning, purpose, hope, and joy.
You are created in God’s image and redeemed by Christ’s blood for a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, in whom you find your worth, identity, meaning, purpose, hope, and joy.
Your Identity Isn’t Something You Have to Invent: In a world obsessed with “finding yourself” and crafting the perfect online persona, this truth is liberating. Your true identity isn’t something you manufacture or maintain. It’s given by your Creator and found in relationship to Jesus Christ. In Christ, you are chosen, holy, eternally loved, and destined for glory.
If we’re not receiving from Him or living for Him, we’re lacking something and are forced to make up our own identities, create our own worth, and find a secondary reason for living.
And that doesn’t work for long.
Whatever you’re hoping in, whatever it is about you that gives you a sense of worth, whatever you base your significance in… if it’s not Jesus, it will let you down.
There IS Unchanging Truth in a “Post-Truth” World: We’re told all truth is relative, and what’s true for me might not be true for you. But if Jesus is the Logos, the ultimate reason and meaning, then He offers a true, unchanging standard. He’s not just a way, but the way to understand God, life, yourself, reality, morality, and what it means to live well. When we walk in His light, Jesus Christ helps us to discern what is genuinely good, real, and beautiful.
He’s the Source of Real Life and Light: John continues:
John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.
Jesus isn’t just a historical and religious figure; He’s the Source of all life–spiritual life, eternal life, abundant life, purpose in life, and meaning in life. He’s the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Jesus is the “Light of men” that enters the darkness and shines into it with healing truth, purpose, and love. Darkness isn’t just “out there” in the world. It’s also the shadow of anxiety, shame, addiction, and depression that can creep into our own thoughts and hearts. But John reminds us:
John 1:5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it [or, cannot overcome it].
Not at the fall, not at the cross, not in your deepest struggles. The Light of Christ shines with grace, truth, and love. He provides hope, healing, and the power to overcome whatever darkness you’re facing.
So, What’s the Invitation?
Since Jesus is the Logos, the very reason and meaning behind all existence, He’s not just someone to admire from a distance. He is someone to listen to, to fully trust, and to follow with your whole life.
Since He is the Life, you are most truly alive when you are receiving from Him and living in Him.
Today, may God grant you, and may you choose to walk in the light of Jesus Christ. Open His Word, listen for His Spirit, and as you trust and know Him, may you say “yes” to Him with your life. Love what He loves, trust Him to lead you, obey Him, and walk in Him. Amen.