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Hebrews 1:2, “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”
John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Despite God speaking, humans have difficulty understanding and following instructions. In the Garden of Eden, God gave them the first command and they disobeyed.
But God didn’t cut off communication, He still talked to humans telling them what to do as individuals, as a family and as a nation. God’s messages were then put into writing. Later these writings were classified and compiled into the Old Testament. The Ten Commandments became the standard rules of life for the kingdom and nation of Israel.
The first command was disobeyed. The Ten Commandments were not fully obeyed. Man continued to fail to listen, much less follow the commands.
In order to help man understand and follow His Word, God sent His Son to convey His Message and to show people a live model of what was acceptable to God. The written Word was not followed. Now Jesus, the Living Word, would not only tell verbally but show visually what God expected. People would understand God’s message better than their predecessors and hopefully, abide.
When we consider Jesus as the Living Word of God, two things are prominent:
1. His inherent authority
2. His superior educational methodology
1. Jesus’ Inherent Authority
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
The increasingly wickedness of the world meant that God had to choose an effective messenger – one who would not only convey His message clearly but able to inspire the correct response.
Notice the description about Jesus:
The heir is the sole owner of the inheritance. Jesus had siblings, but they were not given a portion of the inheritance. They were children of Joseph and Mary, but not of God. Jesus is the only Son of God. He is the sole heir.
Jesus has exclusive rights; He is the ultimate owner of creation. The things He owns are at his disposal; He can decide how and what to do with everything in it, including its people.
Jesus has full authority over all people. Whether people like it or not, they are under Jesus’ authority. However, their actions will affect their status and position in the Kingdom. They are at the mercy of Jesus; their status in the Kingdom will be determined by their perception and action towards Him.
Jesus is the Creator of the universe. He designed the structure, system, function and purpose of each and every part. This power is inherent in Him as Creator. All of his creation has to comply according to His design.
The physical and spiritual dimensions of the universe have no problem complying with the wishes of the Creator. They do not have a will and are unable to choose. Their processes were already set and programmed. They simply carried out their functions.
On the other hand, humans have the unique quality of the will. This will allows them to choose apart from what the Creator has decided. Humans can disregard their functions and purpose. They can supersede their design and override their programming.
It is sad and difficult to say this, but mortal man can immobilize the all-powerful God. He can do this for God has allowed this to happen. This is the best gift God gave humans. It is, on the other hand, a great risk to lose man in the process. God does not want man to become a machine or robot but a free moral agent. He prefers a willing subject than a slave. It is up to man to decide what he wants to become and choose his own destiny.
The title and position of Jesus made him the ultimate authority in the creation order. Rightly, He should be listened to and obeyed. But a human can choose to disregard Him!
2. Jesus’ Superior Educational Methodology
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Jesus left His home and became a human being. He lived and behaved like other humans. He lowered His status by subjecting Himself to all that humans undergo. He was aware of the difficulties in life and living. He understood their pain, hunger, thirst and laughter too. He was not a foreigner. He was a bona fide human being.
However, his life was exemplary and was far above any teacher. He retained his deity and thus lived a perfect life. Teachers were not just resources of information but also life models. Do you remember your favorite teacher? What did he or she like? Did you act or dress or like the same things they did? At some point, students do imitate their favorite teachers!
Jesus used the “show and tell” method of teaching. Visual input comes before verbal impartation. Before information is verbally transferred, the student understands the lesson by what they first see. So, by the time the lesson is explained, it is better understood. Learning is thus enhanced and reinforced. Jesus demonstrated the lesson first before He explained it. Most of the learning is caught rather than taught.
Because of this, many followed Him. They not only wanted to hear His message but to follow Him and become his students. His popularity grew, and this made the teachers of the Law, jealous.
Jesus taught with authority! Jesus’ personality and teaching methodology contrasted greatly with the rabbis who taught the Law in the temple!
Take for instance, how He called his first disciples: Jesus was walking along Lake Galilee and saw fishermen busy at their tasks and business. He told them, “Follow me ….” But this was no ordinary invitation; it was a command! It was an injunction with a specific purpose and direction. They were to leave their current positions and be retooled for a new career! From fishers of fish, they would be transformed to be fishers of men. They were to make a radical and strategic change if they enrolled in the school of Jesus.
And you know what happened next! The fishermen left their fishing tools, their jobs and relationships and followed Jesus. They followed Jesus for the next three and a half years! What they had learnt, they passed on to their followers.
Rev Dr Betia says, “The best message for humans was brought by the best Teacher in living color! Who wouldn’t wish to follow? God is still talking today. Simply look and Listen!”