Grace and truth

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling (tabernacled) among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

John 1:14-18 (NIV)

Are you captured by the grace and truth of Jesus? Are you dazzled by his glory? Shortly before going to the cross, Jesus prays for his disciples, "Sanctify them by the truth." (John 17:17) and "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory." (John 17:24) Jesus is not the means to truth, he is the exact representation of truth. He didn't come primarily to make it possible for us to escape Hell and live happily ever after in Heaven (although that's a true statement) -- he came primarily to make it possible for us to see and enjoy his glory for endless ages -- "the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

The Apostle John must have had the Exodus narratives in mind as he wrote his breathtaking presentation of the deity of Jesus in the prologue to his gospel. New Testament scholar D.A. Carson points out that there are six references in John 1:14-18 (the conclusion of the prologue) to Exodus chapters 32-34. "Now show me your glory", Moses asks Yahweh in Exodus 33:18. The LORD does so, but only indirectly, since "no one may see me and live." Even these indirect encounters with the glory of the LORD leave the Israelites terrified of Moses when he returns to them. Try to put yourself in their place. Begin to understand the terror of the Law and the awesomeness of the Lawgiver, then you'll begin to see the magnificent beauty of Christ. He is the greater tabernacle and the greater Moses, the consummation of all things.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Listen to him. Worship him.