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 bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
The Word – The expression of who the Father is. Co-creator with the Father (1:3)
became flesh – entered our material world, took on a human body.
dwelt among us – literally “pitched his tent among us”. Camped out with us.
seen his glory – the expression of God’s infinite, intrinsic worth.
only Son from the Father – Jesus was unique. He was of the same nature as the Father and He carried out the Father’s will perfectly.
full of grace – refers to God freely extending Himself to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them.
full of truth – reality as the opposite of illusion, i.e. fact. The real deal.
Summary – Jesus is the expression of God’s desire to bless people. He is for real. He is truth, reality. He embodies God’s infinite worth. Though He made us He came to live with us and have relationship with us.
Question – what difference does it make in your life that Jesus is full of grace? What difference does it make that he is full of truth?
comes after me – Jesus was younger than John (they were cousins) and began his ministry after John began his.
ranks before me – worthy of greater honour.
He was before me – Jesus was and is eternal.
Question – What was John’s perspective on his own status? Is this attitude common among leaders? Why or why not? Is it a good model for us to follow?
His fullness – abundance, a full supply
received – to lay hold of by actively accepting what is offered.
grace upon grace – piled up.
the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. – the law was a gift from God. But the grace and truth that came through Jesus were better gifts.
Question – now that Jesus has come, are we free to do whatever we want?
at the Father’s side – as his equal (5:18)
made him known – explained (lit. “make the meaning clear”, “bring out”)
Question – what has Jesus taught you about the Father’s true intentions towards us?
