Ep 16. Jesus as the Divine Word in John

In season 1 episode 16 of Understanding the New Testament, titled Jesus as the Divine Word in John, viewers are taken on a deep dive into the Gospel of John's unique portrayal of Jesus as the Divine Word. The episode explores the significance of Jesus being portrayed as the Word and its theological implications for the Christian faith.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the Gospel of John and its perspective on Jesus as the Word. The host, along with various scholars and experts, discuss the concept of logos (word) from a philosophical and theological perspective and how it was employed in the Gospel. Through the episode, the viewers learn how the logos concept is associated with the creation story in Genesis where God created the universe by speaking it into existence. This idea was also present in Greek philosophy as well as in Jewish thought, alluding to a discerning and creative force not just in spoken words but in the Word.

The episode then delves further into the Gospel of John, analyzing various verses that portray Jesus as the Word. Here, the viewers learn how the Gospel of John has a unique perspective compared to other Gospels. Rather than relying on historical descriptions and stories, it presents Jesus in a more symbolic and spiritual light, emphasizing his divine nature. The portrayal of Jesus as the Word acts as a bridge between the physical world and the divine, signifying the act of creation and emphasising the incarnate Christ. Jesus as the Word also allows the Gospel to address the universal human needs that all people encounter, including a need for purpose and direction in life, as well as the necessity for a bridge between humankind and divinity.

Throughout the episode, the host and the scholars explain how John's Gospel builds a bridge between humans and the divine through a portrayal of Jesus as the Divine Word. The Gospel presents Jesus as the cosmic force of life and light, which penetrates every area of human existence. It highlights how the Word is present in everything that exists and that has ever existed in the universe. Nothing can be created without it, and nothing can exist without it. The program further explains Jesus's words: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" and its connection to Jesus being the Divine Word.

The episode goes into detail in exploring the Greek concept of logos, explaining how it related to Jesus Christ. It discusses various translations, alternate meanings theologians and philosophers have attributed to it, and how it relates to the Gospel of John. The show presents the whole framework and its interpretations by different groups of people throughout history, delving into the theological implications and its meaning for the Christian community through time. The episode further goes on to show the connection between Jesus Christ and Greek philosophers, including but not limited to Plato, and discusses the word morality and its origins with logos.

Overall, Understanding the New Testament, season 1, episode 16, presents a comprehensive and accessible analysis of the Gospel of John's portrayal of Jesus as the Divine Word. It provides a deep exploration of the logos concept, its theological and philosophical implications, and its relevance to the Christian faith. With insights from both scholars and experts, the episode offers a nuanced understanding of the Gospel's unique perspective on Jesus and how it differs from other accounts of the life of Christ provided in other Gospels. Through this episode, the viewers gain a new perspective on the significance of the logos concept and its place in Christian theology, allowing them to appreciate the Gospel of John in a new light and with a fresh understanding of the Divine Word.