The Gospel of John is a solemn manifesto of the divinity of Jesus. The apostle John uses the term “Word” (‘logos’ in Greek) to assert that Jesus is the Word of God and is God Himself (John 1:1; 1:14). In the context of this affirmation, he shows that the essence of God as revealed in the Old Testament, is the very essence of Jesus.
God is Eternal, Creator and Redeemer
We can be sure that the apostle John, when writing his Gospel, had in mind the entire Old Testament and specifically the Pentateuch (the first five Bible books, largely written by Moses). For when we read the fourth Gospel, we find many direct and indirect references to these texts.
It is impressive to see how John connects with Jesus what Moses had said about God, and thus fulfills his purpose of showing us the divinity of Jesus. For example, in the first verses of Genesis (Genesis 1:1-3), Moses revealed that God is Eternal (“In the beginning, God …”), He is Creator (“… created the heavens and the earth”) and He is Redeemer (“… darkness … and there was light”).
John sees these three essences of God in Jesus, and expresses this in his first verses (John 1:1-5).
Jesus is Eternal (John 1:1)
In the same style as Moses, John begins his Gospel by affirming that “In the beginning was the Word”, and in this solemn way he introduces the eternity of Jesus, whom he titles as “the Word”. About this first truth he further affirms that Jesus in eternity already “was with God” and that Jesus “was God”.
Later on in his gospel, he continues to develop this great truth, quoting the words of Jesus Himself: “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58) and “Father, glorify Me in Your own presence with the glory that I had with You before the world existed” (John 17:5).
Jesus is the Creator (John 1:2-3)
John emphasizes once again the eternity of Jesus, to teach us that “all things were made through Him”, leading us to the writings of Moses where it was stated that by the Word of God all things were created (Genesis 1:3-30). Thus, it was through Jesus that all things began to exist and without Him nothing of the created would have existed.
This truth he continues developing later when he affirms that “… the world was made through Him” (John 1:10), asserting that there is nothing that has ever existed outside of the creative power of Jesus. Therefore, He is Creator.
Jesus is the Redeemer (John 1:4-5)
Now, John is going to affirm that “in Him was life”, that is, Jesus is the source of eternal life. That is why He is “the light of men” – of that humanity that is in darkness for cause of sin. Just as light triumphed over darkness in creation (Genesis 1:2-3), Jesus himself “… shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5).
Jesus rescued and will rescue His people from the midst of darkness, and this truth continues to develop, more in depth, when Jesus himself affirms: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Conclusion: Jesus is God
Moses revealed that God is eternal, Creator, and Redeemer. John revealed that Jesus is eternal, Creator, and Redeemer. So, there is no doubt that Jesus is God. That is a great truth, and just as sure as the fact that Jesus was really human.
Praise Him as your God and Lord.