It is essential that we have a proper view of Jesus. Some people view Jesus as a kindly figure who always extends grace to those in trouble. Other people view His commands and expectations as unattainable and unrealistic. What is your view of Jesus? The Apostle John revealed Jesus as the perfect coalescence of grace and truth:

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

The definite article, the Word, hearkens back to the beginning of the chapter that identified Jesus as the divine Word. The word, Word, is the Greek word logos, that refers to a concept or idea.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

When John wrote that Jesus dwelt among us, He used a word with a specific theological significance. The word literally means a tent and would remind the Jewish audience of the tabernacle that was the place where God dwelt with His people and manifested His glory.

When John indicated that we saw His glory, He used a word that is often translated to wonder or admire. It denotes a thoughtful contemplation rather than a mere glance. As people witnessed the person and works of Jesus they viewed His glory as coming from God. Jesus’ glory was demonstrated through His miracles, as well as His transfiguration, but perhaps the greatest example of His glory was His reference to the cross:

Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; (John 13:31)

John pointed out the uniqueness of Jesus as the only begotten from the Father. This phrase emphasized Jesus as the one and only begotten Son of His Father.

Finally, we see that Jesus was filled with grace and truth. These two attributes may often appear in contradistinction to one another. We have a tendency to emphasize one at the expense of the other. People find it easier to go to a consistent extreme than to remain at the center of biblical tension.

This union of grace and truth is the reason why we can be forgiven. Since Jesus is full of grace, He died for our sins, even when we were sinners. Because he is full of truth, He is able to pay the penalty for our sins. The concept of grace means that we can come to Him, knowing that He will accept us as we are. The concept of truth means that we can rest assured in His redeeming work in our lives.

Jesus loves you as you are, but He loves you too much to leave you as you are. Thomas Watson wisely observed, “Christ took our flesh upon him that he might take our sins upon him.”

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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