Scripture: 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.”
John 1:14 is one of the most profound and awe-inspiring statements in all of Scripture: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This is the heart of the Christian faith—the mystery and majesty of the incarnation. The eternal Word, who was with God and was God, took on human flesh. He stepped into our world, embracing the fullness of humanity while remaining fully divine. In this verse, the magnitude of God’s love and grace is on full display.
The Word, who created the heavens and the earth, humbled Himself to live among His creation. He did not come in pomp or royal splendor but took on our frailty, our limitations, our pain. This act of condescension is beyond human comprehension, yet it reveals the very heart of God. Calvin emphasizes that Christ’s incarnation was essential for our salvation. If He had not become like us in every way, apart from sin, He could not have been our perfect representative or our Redeemer.
The phrase “dwelt among us” literally means He “tabernacled” or “pitched His tent” among us. Just as God’s presence filled the tabernacle in the wilderness, so now, through Jesus, God’s presence dwelled among His people in a far more intimate and personal way. The glory that once dwelled in the Holy of Holies was now revealed in the person of Christ. Yet, this glory was not just a dazzling display of divine power; it was full of grace and truth. In Jesus, we see God’s character perfectly revealed, full of compassion and unwavering righteousness.
Consider the wonder of this: God came near. He walked where we walk, felt what we feel, and experienced the struggles of this life. Yet in every moment, He radiated the perfect love and holiness of God. The disciples could testify that they had seen His glory—not a glory that repelled but one that drew people in, marked by the fullness of grace and the beauty of truth.
As we meditate on the incarnation, we must ask ourselves: Are we living in awe of this reality? Do we see the significance of God becoming flesh and what it means for our daily lives? Christ’s incarnation means that God understands our struggles intimately. He is not a distant deity but a compassionate Savior who walked among us and knows our weaknesses firsthand. It also means that we can see and know the character of God through Jesus, who perfectly revealed the Father.
Moreover, the incarnation calls us to live lives full of grace and truth. Just as Christ embodied these attributes, we, too, are called to be vessels of His grace and truth to the world around us. We are to extend His compassion to others while standing firm in the truth of the gospel.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the truth of God becoming flesh impact your view of His love and compassion for you?
- In what ways can you reflect the grace and truth of Christ in your interactions with others?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are overwhelmed by the mystery and wonder of Your incarnation. Thank You for becoming flesh, for dwelling among us, and for revealing the glory of God in all its fullness. Help us to live in awe of Your presence and to share Your grace and truth with a world that desperately needs it. May we never take for granted the nearness of our Savior, who understands and loves us deeply. Amen.
*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:14*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 