It is likely that the apostle John wrote about Jesus in this way to correct misunderstandings. People who were from a Greek Jewish background would have been familiar with the term ‘Word’, or Logos in their language. It referred to a Greek demi-god. Here John shows how different Jesus is to their mythological gods.

In saying that the Word became flesh John was showing that Jesus, whilst being fully and equally God, also became man. In breathtaking humility he laid aside his heavenly glory and became one of us for a very specific and wondrous purpose … to save us from our sins.

How could he do this? He did this by living a perfect life and then offering up himself as a spotless substitute and sacrifice on the cross. Forgiveness for sin is now offered to mankind as a free gift to be received by the ‘hand’ of faith. One hymn writer has put it this way …’nothing in my hand I bring, simply to your cross I cling.’