Jesus Reveals God. John 1:14-18
Opening Prayer
The Word Became Human
"So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son."
John tells the Christmas story in just 34 words-from heaven's perspective. The eternal Word, who is fully God, became fully human-dwelling among us. God "tabernacled" in our world, meeting us personally to deal with our sin.
Glory Veiled, Grace Unleashed
Jesus came not in power and thunder, but with the fullness of God's love, grace, and truth. The eternal Creator became a sinless man-so His death could pay the full penalty for our sins.
"For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift."
In Christ, the fountain of grace never runs dry. We have all we need-it's now a matter of appropriating it by faith, walking in who Jesus is and what He's done for us.
The Law Was Given-Grace Came
"For the law was given through Moses, but God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ."
The law showed us God's holiness and our need, but only Jesus brings the fullness of grace and truth. He alone is the perfect sacrifice, able to wash away sin and give us His righteousness.
Jesus Reveals God
"No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us."
Jesus is "the unique One"-fully God, near to the Father's heart. The Greek word for "revealed" (exegeomai) means to fully and accurately set forth what already exists. Jesus perfectly expounds, illuminates, and brings out the reality of God. To behold Jesus is to behold the glory, truth, and love of God.
How Do We Respond?
- Do you recognize Jesus as fully God and fully man-your perfect Savior?
- Are you living out of His fullness, or striving in your own strength?
- Will you "behold" the glory of Jesus today-in His Word, in worship, in prayer?
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to reveal God to me. I want to behold Your glory and live in the fullness of Your grace and truth. Fill me, lead me, and use me to show Your love to others. Amen.