Encountering the Word Made Flesh: Embracing the Grace and Truth of Jesus | John 1:14-18
Scripture: John 1:14-18 (NIV)
"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. John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, 'This is the one I spoke about when I said, "He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me."' Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known."
In these verses, John the Apostle provides a powerful declaration about Jesus, the Word, becoming flesh. This passage is full of deep theological truths that reveal who Jesus is and what He means for us. Let’s dive in and see how these truths apply to our lives.
John begins with a profound statement: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This means that Jesus, who is fully God, became fully human. He left the glory of heaven to live among us. Imagine the Creator of the universe stepping into His creation as a man. This is what we call the incarnation—God becoming flesh. Jesus didn’t just visit for a short time; He made His home among us, experiencing life as we do, but without sin.
"We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John and others who followed Jesus witnessed His glory firsthand. This glory isn’t just about dazzling light; it’s about the presence and character of God revealed in Jesus. He is full of grace and truth—two qualities that perfectly balance each other. Grace offers us unmerited favor and love, while truth provides us with the reality of God’s holiness and righteousness.
John the Baptist testified about Jesus, saying, "He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me." John the Baptist recognized that even though he came first in terms of ministry, Jesus is greater because He existed before him. This acknowledgment points to Jesus' eternal nature and His preeminence.
"Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given." Jesus' fullness means that He lacks nothing. From His abundant grace, He continually pours out blessings upon us. This idea of "grace in place of grace" suggests a never-ending supply of God's favor and love through Jesus. It’s like waves of grace, one after another, always available to us.
"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." The law, given through Moses, showed people what God’s standards are, but it couldn’t save them from sin. Jesus, however, brings both grace and truth, offering us salvation and a way to truly know God. He embodies the perfect balance of loving-kindness and moral integrity.
"No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known." Jesus reveals God to us in a way that we can understand. Though no one has seen God the Father, Jesus, who is God Himself, makes Him known. By looking at Jesus, we see the heart and nature of God.
These truths about Jesus are powerful and life-changing. Here’s how we can apply them to our daily lives:
Embrace the Incarnation: Remember that Jesus understands everything you go through because He lived as a human. He knows your struggles and your joys. Trust in His empathy and seek His guidance in all areas of your life.
Reflect His Glory: Just as John witnessed Jesus' glory, we too can reflect His glory in our lives. Let His grace and truth shine through you in your words and actions. Be a beacon of His love to those around you.
Accept His Grace: Understand that Jesus offers a never-ending supply of grace. When you make mistakes, come back to Him, and receive His forgiveness. Live in the freedom that His grace provides.
Balance Grace and Truth: Follow Jesus' example by embodying both grace and truth. Show kindness and compassion to others while standing firm in God’s truth. This balance will help you navigate relationships and challenges with wisdom.
Know God Through Jesus: Spend time getting to know Jesus through prayer, reading the Bible, and worship. As you grow closer to Him, you’ll understand more about God’s character and His plans for you.
Reflecting on these verses can deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and how He transforms our lives. Let these truths guide you as you live each day in the light of Christ, sharing His love with the world.
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to dwell among us and reveal Your glory. Help us to understand and embrace the depth of His grace and truth in our lives. May we reflect His light in our actions and words, and grow closer to You each day. Thank You for the endless waves of grace You provide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.