Read John 1:14-18
Helpful Background Information:
The gospel of John was written by the apostle John, the same author of 1 John. John’s gospel was likely written last of all the gospels. John wrote this book to show the divinity of Jesus for the sake of belief in His name (as stated in John 20:30-31). Unlike any other gospel, the gospel of John starts with a description of Jesus beginning in the creation of the world and the role that Jesus played in it.
In this passage, John claims that those who have seen Jesus have seen God in flesh. This is a bold statement considering that God in Exodus 33:18-23 claims that no one may see Him and live. However, John addresses this in verse 18.
The John referenced in verse 15 is John the Baptist, who was the cousin of Jesus. John came before Jesus to prepare the way for Jesus by Baptising those who repented of their sin and to proclaim the coming of Jesus.
Verse 17 describes how God showed His nature in His law and justice through the Old Testament and how His grace and mercy was ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ. In Jesus we are able to see God’s nature in His love, mercy, faithfulness, and forgiveness, among many other things.
Reflection Questions:
Why is it important that God came in human flesh in a way that He could be touched and felt? How can this change the way you worship Him?
What is the difference between what Moses gave through the law about God and what Jesus revealed about God? What does this change about the way you think about God’s character and nature?
How can this passage change the way that you tell others about Christ? What role should Jesus’ nature play, being fully God and fully human, in the way you think about Him?