The Word
Scripture Reading — John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
— John 1:1
Pitching a tent is one of the first challenges of camping: spreading the tent out, attaching the poles, pounding the stakes into the ground, and finally raising the structure. John uses this picture to describe Jesus' coming to become one of us and live with us.
John's introduction to his gospel account is one of the most beautiful and important passages in the New Testament. John begins by calling Jesus the "Logos," or "Word." By means of this mysterious title, John not only acknowledges Jesus' existence before the creation of the world but also declares Jesus' role in creating the world. From the very start, John is letting us know that Jesus is one with God the Father and that Jesus himself is God.
Later in these opening verses, the description of Jesus as "the Word" gets personal. John says, "The Word became flesh." Literally, the Son of God took on all that is involved in being human. Then John adds that the Word "made his dwelling among us." The Greek word John uses here can be translated more literally to say that Jesus "pitched his tent" among us. He couldn't get any closer than that.
What a comfort to know how close God comes to be with us! Because Jesus knows us so well, we can go to him with every need. Have you shared your needs with him today?
Jesus, the Word, we thank you for pitching your tent right where we are. You have shown how much you love us. Help us to love and serve you in all we do. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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