The Bible in a Year
“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 … from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” —John 1:14, 16, ESV
There are moments when we need someone to come close. Advice offered from a distance can help, but the presence of someone willing to sit beside us, understand our burdens, and share our difficulties carries a different weight. John’s opening chapter announces something far greater than human companionship: the eternal Son of God entered our human life. The incarnation means that Jesus Christ, who is fully God, became truly human without ceasing to be God. He came among us to reveal the Father and accomplish our salvation. When we read that the Word became flesh, we are hearing how personally God has acted toward us.
John begins his Gospel before Bethlehem, taking us back to the beginning. The Word already existed, was with God, and was God. Everything created came into being through Him. These opening statements establish who Jesus is before John describes His entrance into human history. The child laid in a manger is the eternal Son through whom the world was made. His humanity is real, and His deity remains undiminished. As we continue reading John, we encounter both: Jesus grows weary beside a well, weeps at a friend’s grave, and suffers on the cross; He also gives life, reveals the Father, and receives the confession of Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
The expression “dwelt among us” adds a beautiful connection to the larger biblical story. John uses the Greek verb eskēnōsen (ἐσκήνωσεν), which carries the sense of dwelling in a tent. It recalls the tabernacle where God made His presence known among Israel during their wilderness journey. David Guzik’s commentary explains that John connects Jesus’ coming with God’s dwelling among His people in the tabernacle. The presence once associated with that sacred dwelling is now revealed in the person of Christ. God has come near within the circumstances of human life. enduringword.com
That nearness helps us understand Christ’s humility. Philippians 2:7 says that He emptied Himself by taking the form of a servant. The passage describes the astonishing lowliness of His mission: He entered our condition and became obedient even to death on a cross. His willingness to serve reveals His love. At the Last Supper, Jesus knew His relationship with the Father and His divine authority, yet He rose, took a towel, and washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:3–5). His greatness expressed itself through loving service. We begin to understand Christian humility when we let that scene challenge our concern with status, recognition, and convenience.
John also tells us that Jesus is full of grace and truth. We need both. His truth exposes our sin and corrects the stories we tell to excuse ourselves. His grace welcomes repentant sinners and supplies what we cannot provide for ourselves. In Christ, these qualities belong together. He can name our brokenness honestly while offering forgiveness generously. We therefore come to Him without pretending we have already repaired our lives. His fullness is the source from which we receive; our spiritual poverty becomes a reason to seek Him.
“Grace upon grace” encourages us to keep receiving that help. Yesterday’s mercy does not exhaust His generosity. The believer who needs forgiveness, patience, or renewed courage can return to the Savior today. As we do, His humility begins to reshape our responsibilities. A household task, an inconvenient conversation, or an unnoticed act of care becomes an opportunity to express the grace we have received. Consider where you have been waiting to be appreciated before becoming willing to serve. Bring that reluctance to Jesus, and ask Him to help you meet one person’s need with the quiet generosity He has shown you.
Read John 1:1–18 and Philippians 2:5–11. For further study, explore Enduring Word’s commentary on John 1.
Invite younger readers to explore everyday faith through Keaton Talks on Facebook.
FEEL FREE TO COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE OR POST SO OTHERS MAY KNOW