Life of Messiah 04 John 1:1–5 Explained: The Logos, Jewish Background, and Jesus as God

This episode continues the Life of Messiah teaching series with an introductory study of John 1, focusing on John 1:1–5 and John’s stated purpose (John 20:31) to lead readers to believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. It explains why the Gospels differ in selection and theme, then highlights John’s unique opening about “the Word” (logos), arguing its primary background is first-century Jewish Targum theology (memra) rather than Greek philosophy or Philo. The lesson outlines six Jewish beliefs about the Word—distinct from yet the same as God, agent of creation, salvation, visibility, covenant-signing, and revelation—and shows how John applies them to Jesus, emphasising Christ’s deity, preexistence, role as Creator and sustainer, and the themes of light and life overcoming darkness. 00:00 Series Recap 02:00 Why Gospels Differ 03:25 John’s Purpose 04:43 Reading John 1 05:24 Deity and Preexistence 06:15 Meaning of Logos 07:46 Greek and Philo Views 10:03 Jewish Targum Roots 12:44 Memra in Literature 14:26 Six Beliefs About Word 14:53 Word and Trinity 16:06 Creation and Salvation 17:45 Shekinah and Incarnation 19:42 Covenant Sealed by Word 20:54 Revealing the Father 21:17 Word Fulfilled in Jesus 22:07 In the Beginning Genesis Link 23:06 Eternal Deity of Christ 25:45 Cults and Bible Twisting 29:05 Creator of All Things 32:13 Life and Light New Creation 33:44 Darkness Cannot Overcome 36:13 Final Summary and Benediction