And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. From His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
John 1:14, 16 [NRSV]
I’ve taught kids for many years – in school, in churches, in festivals, and one-on-one as music students. One thing I have learned during this time: if you spend enough time with a child, they will reveal who their parents are. In heartwarming as well as unflattering ways, they are a portrait of their mother and/or father. Jesus Himself said to Phillip: “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.”
The Gospel writer waited until the 14th verse to make known that the Word is Jesus Christ – the One who came and “lived among us.” John spoke from experience rather than history – he lived with the Messiah for three years, sharing His life on a daily basis. And when it was all said and done, John’s testimony of God’s life and character was encapsulated in five words: “full of grace and truth.”
Grace is kindness: kindness we have not earned, that we do not deserve – kindness that is motivated solely by love. John paints the verbal picture of Jesus being “full” of grace—compassion that infused His entire being. Actually, I should use the description “overflowing,” for John proclaims in verse 16 that we have ALL received His grace – kindness upon kindness. We have received it, not by our right, but by His love.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love.
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