John 1:14-18

John 1:14-18:

These verses proclaim the incarnation of the Word (Jesus Christ), who became flesh and dwelt among humanity, revealing the glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

John the Baptist bears witness to Him, emphasizing His preeminence. 

From Christ’s fullness, believers receive grace upon grace; while the law came through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus, who alone makes the unseen God known.

In his commentary on these verses, Matthew Henry explains: “But observe the beams of his Divine glory, which darted through this veil of flesh. 

Men discover their weaknesses to those most familiar with them, but it was not so with Christ; those most intimate with him saw most of his glory. 

Although he was in the form of a servant, as to outward circumstances, yet, in respect of graces, his form was like the Son of God. 

His Divine glory appeared in the holiness of his doctrine, and in his miracles. He was full of grace, fully acceptable to his Father, therefore qualified to plead for us; and full of truth, fully aware of the things he was to reveal.” 

Reflection:

These verses illuminate the Christian life by centering on the incarnation, where God’s glory and grace are made tangible in Jesus. 

They call believers to receive and live out this overflowing grace, contrasting it with the law’s limitations, and to pursue a deeper knowledge of God through Christ alone. 

This fosters worship, dependence on divine grace for transformation, and a mission to reflect His truth in a world that often veils the divine.