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"And the Word became flesh..."

Text: John 1:1-18

“AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH…”

The idea of Jesus who was Divine putting on flesh is known as “The Incarnation of Christ” theologically. Let us look at another significant New Testament writer who also firmly taught this same doctrine.

None other than the Apostle Paul himself wrote about Jesus putting on flesh in his letter to the Philippians. He wrote,

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery
to be equal with God,
But made Himself of no reputation,
Taking the form of a bondservant,
And coming in the likeness of men.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself and became obedient
To the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him
And given Him a Name which is above every name,
That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow,
Of those in heaven, and of those on earth,
and of those under the earth,
And that every tongue should confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.”
Philippians 2:5-11

Paul was deeply impacted by the doctrine of the Incarnation. Imagine One who is Divine putting on flesh! Imagine one who was “equal with God” making Himself of no reputation and then “taking the form of a bondservant”! The Incarnation was presented as the supreme example for all believers to emulate. If Jesus could humble Himself thus, then every believer should also seek to humble himself as a bondservant. There should be no room for foolish pride and self-exaltation in any form!

Believing in Jesus as both Divine and Human was obviously a cardinal point of theology and faith. Thus each New Testament writer carefully wrote to explain and defend this important doctrine. Unfortunately, this Biblical doctrine continues to be badly assailed by modern Bible scholars. There are many who make light of this vital Biblical teaching concerning the Divinity and the Humanity of Jesus. Yet few things could be as important as believing that Jesus was both Divine and Human!

THE GLORY THAT WAS CHRIST’S

John reveled in his knowledge of Jesus. He owned Him not only as his Teacher, but also as his Saviour and Lord. Though many could not see beyond the humanity of Jesus, John did. He spoke about how Jesus displayed His glory even though He walked on earth in human form! What did he mean by that?

As one who had a deeper understanding of Jesus, John could write that he could still see His glory. To walk with Jesus as His disciple was much more than just following Him around! The glory of Jesus was displayed again and again, if only people had the eyes of faith to see it.

Jesus healed all who came to him. On one occasion a man who was paralysed was brought to him. Instead of just healing him, Jesus spoke about forgiving him of his sins. He said,

” ‘But that you may know that the Son of Man
has power on earth to forgive sins ‘-
He said to the paralytic,
‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed,
and go to your house.’
Immediately he arose, took up his bed,
And went out in the presence of them all,
So that all were amazed and glorified God, saying,
‘We never saw anything like this!’ ”
Mark 2:10-12

Luke also recorded the fact that Jesus revealed and manifested the glory of God in the miracles of Jesus. He recorded an instance when Jesus raised a young man from the dead.

“Then He came and touched the open coffin,
and those who carried him stood still.
And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’
So he who was dead sat up and began to speak.
And He presented him to his mother.

Then fear (awe) came upon all, and they glorified God,
Saying, ‘A great prophet has risen up among us.’
And, ‘God has visited His people.’ ”
Luke 7:14-16

The Gospel writers observed and noted the responses of the multitudes. What did the group of Disciples feel personally? John wrote on their behalf and said,

“We beheld His glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14

The multitudes were right to be astonished at the power of Jesus. However they were only partially right. They did not go far enough. John was right in saying that Jesus displayed a glory that was uniquely His as the only begotten of the Father. Jesus did not just display His glorious power. He also displayed much grace and truth in His life and ministry. Have we taken Jesus and His glory for granted?