Names of Jesus Series: Episode 13 Jesus the Word

Hello, my walking friend! I bet you are already on your way! Awesome! Stand a little taller because you are doing great things for your body and your soul! Keep that blood pumping and set your mind and heart to focus on Jesus. 

Today is the 13th episode in the names of Jesus series. We have meditated on so many already – Jesus the I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the Creator, the Friend of Sinners, to name a few. If you have missed any episodes, feel free to go back and listen on one of your walks! Today we are reflecting on Jesus, the Word.

Our verse to meditate on today is: John 1:1-4:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

Before you meditate on today’s verse, listen to the lyrics of the hymn, Jesus, O Living Word of God:

Jesus, O living Word of God,
Wash me and cleanse me with Your blood
So You can speak to me.

Just let me hear Your words of grace,
Just let me see Your radiant face,
Beholding constantly.

Jesus, living Word,
My heart thirsts for Thee;
Of Thee I’d eat and drink,
Enjoy Thee thoroughly.

Jesus, most precious One to me,
I want to seek You constantly
So you can spread through me.

I would just call upon Your name,
Open to you; I have no shame
Loving You, Jesus Lord.

Jesus, precious One,
Be so real to me.
You are all I want;
I open wide to Thee.

Jesus, Oh living One in me,
Open my eyes that I might see
All that You are to me.

Just let me enter in Your heart,
Never from You would I depart,
Loving You constantly.

Jesus, living One,
Flood me thoroughly;
Take my willing heart
And overcome in me.

Lord I want You to have Your way,
Save me from being Satan’s prey,
I am believing You.

All I can give to You, my Lord,
Is my whole being, love outpoured;
Lord, I belong to You.

Jesus, faithful God,
Gain us through and through;
Use us thoroughly
To see Your purpose through.

If you have a chance, after your walk, to listen to this hymn, I would highly recommend it. You will be blessed.

Now let’s take a little time now to meditate on John 1:1-4:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? 

Here’s what Jesus revealed to me as I studied and meditated on this verse:

During the time that John wrote this gospel, the Jewish people would speak of God by saying the Word of God. So his Jewish audience would know immediately that when John said Jesus was the Word, he was equating him with God. But at this same time, the Greek people also understood the name, the Word, but in their language it was Logos. The believed the Logos was like a bridge between God and the material world. Isn’t it awesome that John would use language that would speak to both Jewish and Greek people! Well, we do know his writings were inspired!

When John called Jesus the Word, he was making it clear that Jesus came to be a mediator between sinful human beings and God. But not only was he calling Jesus a mediator, when he called Jesus the Word, he is also telling his audience that Jesus is God. That was  a very bold thing for him to say, but we know he was speaking the truth. Jesus is the Living Word of God, fully God and fully man, who came to be a bridge between sinful people and a holy God – for all who believe in him. He is the Word, the light of the world, who wants to give us, to give you, the light of life.

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus, the Word, and what that means to us. 

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

Your word always amazed me! It is so deep and rich in meaning. I learn something every time I come to your word with an open mind and heart, ready to hear what you will say to me. Help me, Jesus, to be more like John. Give me boldness to speak the truth in the right way and in the right situations. I believe every one of your words is true. Strengthen my faith in you so that I can, in love, share your truths with others. I want to live my life in a way that reflects your light and love to my world. Jesus, I thank you for the opportunity to partner with you. Thank you for giving me a purpose. Thank you for always teaching me more and more about you and your word. You have become the word made flesh for me, and I thank you for walking with me always. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

Have you ever wondered what it meant when the Apostle John called Jesus the word? Did you think what he was saying was bold? Take some time to think about that. 

How do you feel when you read God’s word and he reveals something new and meaningful to you? Take some time to consider your response.

What does it mean to you to speak the truth in love? Are you ever bold for Jesus? Consider your answer.

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time:

John 1:1-4

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

You did it, my friend! Today you spent 10 minutes walking with the Word! Give yourself a pat on the back! Thank you for taking the time to walk with me. But more importantly, you walked with Jesus! And I know that he will bless you above and beyond what you can imagine for spending this time with him. For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkwithJesusDevotional.com. The October edition focuses on the names of Jesus and is a part of this series. You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another name of Jesus – Jesus the Way. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.