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Understanding Jesus as the Living Word: A Biblical Perspective

According to John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Let’s look at some more scriptures about the word of God and see how those scriptures describe Jesus.

The Word of God Is:

  • Truth
    • Psalms 119:160 (amp) The sum of Your word is truth [the full meaning of all Your precepts],
      And every one of Your righteous ordinances endures forever.
    • John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
  • a lamp and a light
    • Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
    • John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
  • sweeter than honey
    • Psalm 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
    • Often overlooked by modern Christians, the honeycomb, or “beo-bread,” symbolizes grace and mercy. Beyond its sweetness, it also possesses medicinal qualities, providing healing and restoration. This sustenance reflects the fullness of Christ’s redemptive work. The honey’s sweetness represents grace, while the bread symbolizes sustenance, merging in the honeycomb to highlight the holistic salvation offered to those seeking heavenly fulfillment. Christ’s resurrection not only erases the bitterness of sin but transforms it into divine sweetness, embodying the promise of a renewed life and a hopeful, restored existence.
    • Beyond that, Jesus also comes to sit and eat with us. The meal he shares after his resurrection isn’t just for the disciples—it reaches into the present and future, extending to everlasting life. In the contrast of Christ’s death and resurrection, his suffering and grace, we find the purpose of our own struggles and why we need his grace and resurrection. The challenges we face daily, much like the fish, aren’t dismissed by the resurrection but are embraced and redeemed. Christ eating the fish becomes an invitation for us to surrender our sufferings to him, trusting in the transformative power of his victory over sin, this broken world, and the devil and his wicked angels.
    • At the same time, the honeycomb invites us to embrace the sweetness of divine grace, especially at the Lord’s Table, where we share in Christ’s body and blood, offering forgiveness, new life, and the promise of eternal salvation. It’s a reminder that our sustenance and healing don’t come from our own efforts or hard-earned daily bread, but from the endless mercy found in Christ alone.
    • The “beo-bread” serves as our spiritual sustenance, symbolizing the assurance that Christ’s grace is always there to support us throughout our journey, from birth to the heavenly banquet with the Lamb. In this meaningful act of shared nourishment, Christ reveals a timeless truth that speaks to the universal longings of the human heart. The fish and honeycomb, eaten by the risen Christ, stand as powerful symbols of redemption, reminding us of the ultimate promise: to share a divine meal with him in heaven.
  • settled in heaven
    • Psalms 119:89 Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.
    • Mark 16:19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
    • Romans 8:34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
  • is right
    • Psalms 33:4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.
    • 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
  • is quick and powerful (living and active)
    • Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
    • Hebrews 4:12 (amp) For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart. 
    • Mark 13:26-27 (amp) Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory [in royal majesty and splendor]. 27 And then He will send out the angels, and will gather together His elect [those He has chosen for Himself] from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
      • (This section of scripture is talking about how suddenly the day of the Lord will come)
    • Matthew 9:4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?
    • John 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
    • Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
    • Revelation 19:15-16  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.
  • productive
    • it never returns void
      • Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
      • John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
      • Jesus died on the cross from are sins. He then rose on the third day. He came that we might be reconciled to God.
        • Romans 5:10  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
  • Spirit and life
    • John 6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
    • John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
  • stands forever
    • Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
    • 1 Peter 1:25 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
    • John 8:28 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
    • Colossians 1:15-17  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him (Jesus) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
  • like fire (a consuming fire) and a hammer
    • Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
    • Revelation 19:12-13 His (Jesus) eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
    • Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
  • is tried (it is perfect, it is faultless, it is tested)
    • Psalm 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
      • tried means tested.
    • Luke 23:3-4 And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
    • Hebrew 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted (tested) like as we are, yet without sin.

2 Timothy 4:1-2 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

  • Word in the original Greek is logos from Strong’s G3056. This is the same Greek word that is used for the word “Word” in John 1:1.
  • We are commanded in 2 Timothy 4:1-2 to preach the word. That means we are commanded to preach Jesus.
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The Biblical Call to Rest: Discovering Sabbath Meaning

The word Sabbath comes from Hebrew. So, what does Sabbath mean? Could the meaning of the word give us any clues as to how we should respond.

  • In Hebrew:
    • H7676: Sabbat from H7673; specifically, the Sabbath intermission
    • H7673: to repose, in desist from exertion
  • In Greek:
    • G4521: Sabbaton of Hebrew origin (H7676) Sabbath or day of weekly repose from secular avocations

There are some interesting words in these definitions. Here are some definitions:

  • repose:
    • the state of being at rest; sleep
    • peace or tranquility; calm
    • absence of movement or animation
  • exertion:
    • vigorous action or effort
  • avocations:
    • something a person does in addition to a principal occupation, hobby
  • desist:
    • stop

So, what does all of this mean? It means that time should be set aside to stop and just spend some time with Jesus.

Genesis 2:1-3 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

God rested as an example for us. God also gave creation as a reason to keep sabbath.

Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Even today we need to have set time to stop and remember the work of God in our lives. We need to remember the work that Jesus did on the cross. Jesus calls all to come to him for rest. Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Many years ago there was a song that talked about spending time with God. It is called Take time to be Holy by Author: William D. Longstaff (ca. 1882). I have put it below for you to read/ sing.

1 Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

2 Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

3 Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide,
and run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
and, looking to Jesus, still trust in His word.

4 Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

This is a fitting song when thinking about the sabbath. We should take time every day to spend with God. We should also set aside a day just for God. We need to remember to Take Time to Be Holy.

The Seven Appointed Times of God

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Redeeming the Time: Walk Wisely in Every Season


Eph 5:15-17 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Col. 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.


Time: Strong’s G2540 kairos: of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. set or proper time:—X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while. Compare G5550.

Outline of Biblical Usage 

  1. due measure
  2. a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time, hence:
    1. a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for
    2. opportune or seasonable time
    3. the right time
    4. a limited period of time
    5. to what time brings, the state of the times, the things and events of time

Redeeming: Strong’s G1805 – exagorazō: ex-ag-or-ad’-zo; from G1537 and G59; to buy up, i.e. ransom; figuratively, to rescue from loss (improve opportunity):—redeem.

Outline of Biblical Usage 

  • to redeem
    • by payment of a price to recover from the power of another, to ransom, buy off
    • metaphor of Christ freeing the elect from the dominion of the Mosaic Law at the price of his vicarious death
  • to buy up, to buy up for one’s self, for one’s use
    • to make wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good, so that zeal and well doing are as it were the purchase money by which we make the time our own

We need to walk in wisdom not foolishness.
Redeeming the time means to do things in their proper time or season. There is a season or time for everything. A time to plant and a time to harvest, a time to cry and rejoice. A time to be with your
children and a time to let them go because they are now adults. There is a time for learning and a time for testing.

So, what are you doing with your time. Are you spending it wisely or foolishly? Are you redeeming the time?

  • If you have children, have children, are you remembering to train them and enjoying spending time with them? Remember children are only children for a short time.
  • If you are a single adult, are remembering to enjoy this season of your life?
  • Everyone that knows Jesus, are you remembering to share your faith with others before time runs out?
  • If you don’t know Jesus, what you waiting for? Now is the time!

Remember no one knows the day or the hour of Jesus’ return. None of us know exactly how long our life will be. Redeem the time that you have. Use your time wisely.

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Understanding Good and Bad Love in Scripture

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Love = Strong’s G26 – agapē: affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love


Love in English means:

  • Strong affection
  • Warm attachment
  • attraction based on Sexual desire
  • unselfish Loyal and benevolent Concern for others
  • to take pleasure in & caress: Cherish
  • to feel a passion, devotion pleasure in


There are two types of love. There is a bad kind of love and a good kind of love.

Bad

  • John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
    • Love man more that God
  • I Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
  • Ezekiel 23:17 And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them.
    • Loving on Bed in wrong relationships


Good

  • I Timothy 6:11  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
    • God’s Love
    • This is the love talked about in Galatians 5:22.
  • John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
    • God Loved until the end
    • Strong’s G25 – agapaō
      • of persons
        • to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly
      • of things
        • to be well pleased, to be contented at or with a thing
  • John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
    • God Loved the world.
    • This love is the same Greek word that is used in John 13:1.
  • Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
    • Love One another
    • This love is the same Greek word that is used in John 13:1.
  • I John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
    • Love bestowed on us
    • This is the love talked about in Galatians 5:22.
  • I John 4:16-21 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
    • This is the good kind of love.
      • We see in this passage that God loves us.
      • Where true love is, there is no fear.
      • All who truly love God will also love others.
    • This passage uses both Strong’s G26 and Strong’s G25.
      • Verses 16-18 is the G26
      • Verses 19-21 uses G25
  • John 5:1-4 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
    • Love causes us to keep the commandments of God
  • I Peter 4: 8-9  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
    • Charity is another translation of Strong’s G26.
    • one to another
  • I Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
    • “Love of the brethren” is a phrase in English. In Greek this was basically 1 word.
      • Strong’s G5360 – philadelphia
        • φιλαδελφία philadelphía, fil-ad-el-fee’-ah; from G5361; fraternal affection:—brotherly love (kindness), love of the brethren.
  • Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
  • Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

We should all have agape and philadelphia love for one another. This is what the scriptures teaches. This is what the early church had for each other.

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