The Gospel according to John introduces us to a profound concept – Jesus Christ as the Word, or the ‘Logos’ (John 1:1). This term, ‘Logos,’ is deeply rooted in pre-Christian Greek philosophy, where it was understood as the divine principle of reason and order that gives form to the cosmos1. In John’s Gospel, however, the Logos takes on a distinctly Christian interpretation, signaling the divinity of Jesus Christ.
C.S. Lewis, in his work “Mere Christianity,” brilliantly articulates the logical implications of accepting Jesus as the Logos2. Lewis suggests that if Jesus, who claimed divinity for Himself, is indeed the Logos, then He cannot be dismissed as merely a moral teacher or a prophet. He must either be considered a madman, the Devil, or the Son of God3.
This line of reasoning offers a robust defense of Christ’s divinity. If Jesus is the Logos, the divine principle inherent in the cosmos, then His claims of divinity are not just valid but also crucial for understanding our Christian faith.
In addition to the Gospel of John and Lewis’s perspective, the Apostle Paul provides further insight into the nature of the Logos. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul identifies Jesus as the “image of the invisible God,” the one through whom all things were created (Colossians 1:15-16)4. This again underscores Jesus’ divine nature, positing Him as the divine Logos through which the cosmos was brought into existence and over which He reigns supreme.
The implication of these Scriptures is not just that Jesus is divine, but that He, as the Logos, is intimately involved with the cosmos and human history. Augustine, the influential theologian, expressed this notion beautifully when he said, “God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering”5. These words serve to emphasize the paradox of the Incarnation – the divine Logos chose to fully embrace the human condition, including its suffering and death.
Understanding Jesus as the divine Logos who willingly experienced the full spectrum of human existence speaks volumes about God’s love for humanity. As theologian J.I. Packer points out, “The supreme mystery with which the gospel confronts us… is the mystery of the love of God”6.
The notion of Jesus as the Logos is not only about grasping Christ’s divinity intellectually. Instead, it invites us to reflect on how this truth influences our faith, our perception of God, and our relationship with Him.
In the coming weeks, we will delve deeper into the concept of Jesus as the Logos. This journey offers a remarkable opportunity for us to grow in our understanding of Jesus, to deepen our faith, and to foster a closer relationship with Him. May our exploration of the Logos open up new pathways for us to experience God’s unfathomable love, grace, and truth.
Footnotes
- Logos. (2021). In Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/logos/
- Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere Christianity. Geoffrey Bles.
- Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere Christianity. Geoffrey Bles.
- The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1984). Zondervan.
- Augustine of Hippo. (397-400 AD). Confessions.
- Packer, J.I. (1973). Knowing God. InterVarsity Press.