There is only one other reference to the word `bosom' in John's

Gospel, and that is in 13:23: `Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom

one of His disciples whom Jesus loved'. The word indicates not only a

place of warm affection, but also a place in which confidences are

received, as we see from Peter's suggestion that John should ask the

Lord in confidence as to who was the betrayer. In 13:23 we have the

word en (`in the bosom'); in verse 25 it is epi (`on the breast'); while in

1:18 it is eis (`unto'). The latter indicates something more intimate and

resembles the word `with' (pros) in John 1:1.

We find this same emphasis upon the new relationship of the

ascended Lord in Hebrews 1:3-5. In verse 3 He is spoken of as `the

brightness of His glory' and `the express image of His person' (titles

comparable with `The Word' of John 1:1). He is also credited in

Hebrew 1:10 with the work of creation just as in John 1:3. The parallel

is again evident in Hebrews 2:14, which is comparable with John 1:14,

and in Hebrews 1:3-5, parallel with John 1:18, we read:

`... when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right

hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the

angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name

than they. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou

art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee?'

The Lord returns as `the only Begotten Son', having `obtained' a

more excellent name than angels. To say such a thing of the Lord as

`God' would be absurd. No one needs to be told that He who is `God'

(John 1:1; Heb. 1:8) has a more excellent name than angels. In what

sense, then, could `the Word' Who `was God' `obtain' this name? The

answer is that He who was so high, stooped to man's estate and was

made a little lower than the angels for our sake and for our redemption.

As the Man Who had thus triumphed He could be spoken of as having

`obtained' by inheritance a more excellent name, this name being `the

Only Begotten Son of God'.

As `the Word', the Lord's office was to make known the will and

the glory of the invisible God. Sin, however, had come into the world;

and so the Word `was made flesh'. He became `the Light of the world'

and the believer was able to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus

Christ. He told His disciples that `he that hath seen Me hath seen the