by Jerry Senn
“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 … For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:14, 16, 17)
This great text clearly deals with our Lord’s incarnation. “In the beginning was the “Word,” — “with” God, “was” God and by him “all things” were made. (John 1:1-3). And in our text, he was “made flesh and dwelt among us (v 14). “Christ entered into a new dimension of existence through the gateway of a human birth and took up his residence among men.” (Merrill C Tenney)
Jesus, whom we behold is said to be “full of grace and truth” (v 14). And, from his fullness we (who have received him, v 12), possess that “grace upon grace” (“one blessing after another,” NIV). In Jesus Christ, grace and truth reach their fullness and this fullness is ours’ also.”
In Ephesians, Paul said, “In him (Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us … according to the purpose of his will” (chap 1:7-9). We who have received the “Word” now possess the “fullness” of His amazing grace.”
This is the richest of all God’s blessings, found only in Him because “the Word became flesh.” The “law” given by Moses called on sinners to examine their need of a Savior. The sacrificial system of that law offered hope of atonement through a Messiah who was to come. Until he came and completed his mission mankind was under bondage to a law they could not keep.
Praise God for the “grace and truth” available to us in union with our Lord, who arrived on earth to present himself as a “perfect” sacrifice for us. His relationship with his Father is now ours as well. Why did our SAVIOR come to earth? Because he loved you and me so much. (See: John 3:16-17)
"For you did not receive the Spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba Father.'" — Romans 8:15