John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Among Us

I have heard it said that one big difference separates a relationship with Jesus from religion. With religion, we are expected to work as if we were trying to climb a mountain to God without any tools. Of course, everyone who tries this fails. In a relationship with Jesus, He climbed down the mountain to save us. This was God’s plan from the beginning. We can’t keep the law, and our works don’t even come close to paying the penalty for our sin.

God became flesh and dwelt among us. Christ was virgin-born and lived a sinless life. He is the Father’s glory. Now think about the Father’s love for the Son. God’s plan was for the Son to be the sacrifice for our sin. Otherwise, we would be destined for hell. Think of the value God and Jesus place on our souls!

John 1:15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’”

John the Baptist was born to be Jesus’ forerunner. He was to prepare the way for Jesus. He was Jesus’ older cousin but notice what he said about Jesus. First, Jesus was preferred. It would take a pure and holy sacrifice to pay the penalty we incurred because of our sin. This is why Jesus will always be preferred. Second, He was before John the Baptist. But John the Baptist was born first? This is referring to Jesus being God. God has no beginning or end.

John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

The law was given by Moses. The law was not intended to be a way to Heaven. It was intended to show how much we need a Savior. Jesus came in truth and brought His grace. We are no longer bound by the law’s penalty but covered by Jesus’ grace. But only if we know Him as Lord and Savior. Can you say today that you know Jesus in this way?