The Word Made Flesh: A Call to Intimacy and Belief | John 1:14 (Part 2)

John 1:14 ESV
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

The doctrine of the Incarnation is not just a theological concept but a call to a deeper intimacy with God and a challenge to our beliefs. As John unfolds the mystery of the Word becoming flesh, we are invited to explore what this means for our personal walk with God and our understanding of salvation.

The Significance of Flesh

The choice of the term "flesh" over "man" in describing Jesus' incarnation is deliberate. It emphasizes that Jesus assumed the fullness of human nature, subject to its frailties and pains, yet without sin. This solidarity with humanity makes Christ's teachings, suffering, and resurrection not just acts of divine intervention but deeply personal demonstrations of love and redemption.

Philippians 2:7-8 ESV
"But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

The Temporary Tabernacle

Jesus' dwelling among us as a temporary tabernacle signifies that His presence in the world was a foretaste of the eternal communion we are invited into. Just as the Tabernacle was the meeting place between God and His people, Jesus is the meeting point between divinity and humanity, offering us a relationship with God that is both intimate and profound.

Beholding His Glory

To behold the glory of Jesus is to see the heart of the Father revealed. In Jesus, grace and truth are perfectly united, offering us a picture of God's desire for us—not just to follow a set of rules but to live in the freedom and fullness of His love and holiness.

As we reflect on the Incarnation, let us ponder:

  1. How does understanding Jesus' humanity alongside His divinity change the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?

  2. In what areas of your life do you need to experience more of Jesus' grace and truth, and how can you open yourself up to receive more fully from Him?