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.”
DEVOTIONAL
This single verse stands as one of the most breathtaking truths in all of Scripture. The eternal Word—He who was with God and was God from the beginning (John 1:1)—did not remain distant or detached. He stepped into our world. Not in a vision, not in a dream, not simply as a voice or a flame—but in flesh. Real flesh. The Creator entered into creation. The Infinite clothed Himself in the frailty of humanity.
This is not mere poetry; it is the scandal of grace. God Himself took on human nature, not ceasing to be God but adding to Himself what He was not—humanity. He hungered, wept, slept, walked dusty roads, endured temptation, and ultimately bore the cruel weight of a Roman cross. All of this so He could dwell among us—not just physically, but relationally and redemptively.
John says, “we have seen His glory.” Not a blinding, terrifying glory that drives us away in fear, but a glory “full of grace and truth.” In Jesus, the glory of God is made approachable. We see God’s heart in His kindness to sinners, His compassion for the broken, His truth that confronts and heals. Christ reveals the Father to us in a way that Moses and the prophets could only anticipate from afar.
This verse invites us to look at Jesus not as a distant figure in history, but as God who came near. He is not indifferent to our suffering or sin. He entered into it. And through His death and resurrection, He still dwells with His people by the Spirit, until the day we dwell with Him in glory forever.
Let this truth draw your heart to worship today. God came near—not because we earned it, but because He loved us.
Prayer
Gracious Father,
We stand in awe of Your mercy. That You, eternal and holy, would send Your Son to take on our flesh—what mystery, what grace. Lord Jesus, You are the Word made flesh, and we thank You that You did not remain far off but came to dwell among us, to reveal the Father’s glory, to redeem us by Your blood.
Help us to see You rightly—not only as a teacher or example, but as our Savior and King. Teach us to marvel again at the incarnation. Let this truth sink deep into our hearts, so that our lives may reflect the grace and truth You brought to us.
Holy Spirit, draw us near. Help us not to become numb to the glory of the gospel, but to live daily in gratitude and wonder. Fill our hearts with worship and our mouths with praise, for You alone are worthy.
In Jesus’ holy name,
Amen.