Muslims might argue that Jesus is not the eternal Word of God but merely a prophet who was created by God.

The prologue of John's Gospel establishes Jesus as the eternal Word, or Logos, who was with God and was God from the beginning. This foundational truth is reinforced throughout the Gospel, where Jesus Himself claims to have come down from heaven, asserting His divine nature and preexistence. For instance, in John 3:13, Jesus states that He is the Son of Man who descended from heaven, indicating His unique relationship with the Father and His divine mission on earth. Moreover, Jesus' declarations such as 'I am the bread that came down from heaven' (John 6:51) and 'I am from above' (John 8:23) further affirm His identity as the divine Logos. These statements challenge the notion that He is merely a prophet, as they imply a preexistence that is characteristic of God alone. Additionally, the consistent application of divine attributes to Jesus throughout the Gospel underscores His divine nature. Furthermore, the Gospel presents Jesus not just as a messenger but as the embodiment of God's revelation to humanity. His actions, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice demonstrate His unique role in salvation history, which is far beyond that of a mere prophet. The culmination of His mission is seen in His resurrection and ascension, where He returns to the Father, affirming His divine authority and eternal existence. In conclusion, the scriptural evidence from John's Gospel robustly supports the claim that Jesus is the eternal Word who became flesh, countering the Muslim assertion that He is merely a created prophet. This understanding is central to Christian faith, highlighting the unique and divine nature of Christ as the Son of God.