the prologue - Part 4
Text: John 1:14-18
This week’s Takeaway is from team writer Tom Woodward
Jesus took on human form to reveal God’s glory, grace, and truth to us so that God could be known more fully, surpassing how He revealed himself in the Law. God is the Law unto Himself. And Jesus is the One and Only, a phrase used twice in the sermon’s passage. Jesus is God and is with God. If we believe in Him and His name, He gives us life as written in John 20:31, “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” It’s a free gift of grace!
In John 1:14, scripture says, “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.” The word “dwelt” was loaded language for God’s chosen people. The word “dwelt” is the same word used for “tabernacle.” In Exodus, we learned that God freed his people from slavery and gave them a covenant to obey so they would do well in the Promised Land. We studied how God provided his people a place to set up as they journeyed in the desert, where they could meet with God for worship. This place was called the Tabernacle, where heaven and earth intersected. In verse 14, John tells us that Jesus is the temple of God, revealing His glory and grace so that we may see and know what God is like.
God is coming to earth in the flesh as Jesus was an act of exceeding grace, compassion and steadfastness. John wrote that we receive grace upon grace (v. 16), and he likened the incarnation with the giving of the Law in the Hebrew Scriptures. It’s like waves in the ocean. Grace and truth through Christ’s ministry were done so in an undeservedly kind way. His absolute truth showed us how to live faithfully to Him. God’s grace demonstrates His love and compassion to us, broken and sinful people who struggle to walk in holiness. We need God’s forgiveness and love shown in Christ.
In verse 17, the Law revealed God’s character and purpose in his commandments, teaching us of his holiness and our need for him. But in John 1:18, the author makes it clear that Jesus fully revealed God to us. Though no one has ever seen God, through Christ and His ministry, we get a revelation of God’s glory. Jesus’ life and mission were to make God known to all of us! God, in his kindness, came in the flesh to live with His people so we could experience His presence through His humility, healing, and compassion, satisfying the demands of the Law and revealing His grace and truth to us.
The incarnation of Jesus, His death on the cross, and His resurrection were an act of God’s grace, forgiving us of our sins and allowing Him to draw near to his people to reveal His truth and glory. We are broken, unrighteous, and unholy. Jesus took the fall for us. He wants us to follow Him with all our hearts. Amen.
Why is the bible important to use Tabernacle imagery for the Word becoming flesh?
How does the incarnation reveal the glory of God?
Name a few ways this passage encourages your walk with Jesus and understanding of God.
When has the Word changed my life? How did that revelation transition from my spirit to my flesh?
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Worship Set: God of the Promise l Open the Heavens l Way Maker l Here Again