Closer Look: Logos, The Word

Instruct learners to read John 1:1 again. Encourage learners to mark or highlight the use of the word “Word.” Point out that the word John used in the Greek is logos. Share this information about the meaning of the Greek word logos, listing the bolded items on the board if desired:

• The Greek Stoics (philosophers) used this term to describe the principle that gave order to the world (cosmos).
• To the Greeks, the word logos was synonymous with God.
• All human reason was drawn from the logos.
• According to Philo (Greek philosopher), logos referred to how God created the world and how God chose to communicate with His people.
• Logos was the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew word dabar, which could mean word, thing, or event.
• In the Old Testament, dabar referred to the words or teachings that God revealed to His people.
  [Source: http://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd/l/logos.html?hilite=logos.]

Then, conclude by asking: If logos referred to all of the Law or Scripture, what point was John trying to make by referring to Jesus as the Logos? (Answer: Jesus as the Word/Logos is the incarnate communication of God that He is Creator, Sustainer, and Mediator.)