Our scripture this morning is John 1:14 (NASB1995).
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This verse connects God’s Word with us in the form of Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man. The original Greek word for His coming to be with us can be translated as “pitched His tent”, a reference to a temporary home and the Tabernacle where God first “lived” with the children of Israel. These connections would be familiar to John’s original readers and lead them to see Jesus as God with us.
We sometimes have difficulty seeing how Jesus is one with God, but also human and separate. Jesus behaved as an obedient son, spending time in prayer. He further demonstrates His unique identity in Matthew 24:36 where He tells His disciples “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.”
Jesus’ connection to the Father is similar to the love we feel for each other here, but far greater. Until we are raised with Him we can’t know that feeling, but it has been promised to us from the beginning. God gives us His love freely and wants ours freely returned.
Loving Lord, You came as one of us to show us the way to be saved. Help us to be new creations in Your love and to share that wonderful gift with all our brothers and sisters. Amen.
