Thomas Fretwell: Life of Messiah — 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.