S) "14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 1:14 (NASB)
O) The most important things to take from this verse (especially when paired with vv.1-3), are that Jesus has eternally existed, and that He is full of grace and truth. These two things are important, for reasons that, in a sense, give balance to each other. One the one side, the preincarnate deity of Jesus Christ establishes His oneness with the Father. On the other hand, His character being full of grace and truth is a big part of the personal nature to His relationship with us. Jesus is both the heavenly, eternal, glorious God, and also the man who dwelt among us on earth, reaching down to the adulterous woman. and hugging children, washing the feet of His disciples. That is the most important part of this passage, I think. Also, in this verse, we see something else interesting. Based on this verse (again, in context with the whole passage, but also a few of the passages about the actual birth of Jesus), I'm not sure we can rightly say that Jesus was always the "Son of God." Before He was actually born to Mary, even when God took on flesh in the Old Testament, it seems more accurate to say He was the Word of God. This is a difficult thing, probably because I'm so used to thinking of the Trinity as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, before Jesus was born, and Hod said, "Today I have begotten You," I suppose the Trinity would rightly have been said to be the Father, Word, and Holy Spirit. When it's said like that, it certainly makes it easy to see why the Old Testament doesn't deal much with the concept of God's triune nature.
A) Without a doubt, the most important application is for me to remember and recognize both the intimate, and the immense, nature of Jesus (and therefore of God). Relative to the "Word/Son" stuff, some of that is only a matter of passing interest. After all, the Word did in fact become flesh, so Jesus is the Son of God. He conquered the grave and lives forever, so He always will be the Son of God. All of that was preordained by God, so in a conceptual way, because the Word was always going to become flesh, this is almost a moot point. I think it's still worth noting, though, mostly for te apologetic application. There are some people who have a hard time with Jesus being the only begotten Son, for various reasons. This can be a key to presentin how and why He is. Starting with the concept that He was initially the Word of God, could go a long way in setting a foundation for understanding who Jesus is, and why He even became flesh.
P) Father, thank You for Your Word full of grace and truth. These concepts are pretty heady sometimes, and can feel like a lot to try to comprehend. I pray that, at the core of it, I remember who You are, Your character, Your love. Help me to present the gospel clearly, and give me the words to speak in that same grace and truth of Jesus. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
Love This Amen God!
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