Looking at this powerful verse, dwelling in it, and explicating what it means that Jesus tabernacled among us.
(John 1:14)
Sermon Outline
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Jesus Became Human: The Word Became Flesh (Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 2:9)
- “flesh” σάρξ (sarx): the mortal, physical nature of humanity
- If Jesus isn’t fully God, He can’t save us.
- If He isn’t fully man, He can’t represent us.
Jesus Lived Among Us: The Word Made His Dwelling Among Us
- “made His dwelling” σκήνωσεν (eskēnōsen): He encamped, tabernacled
- Purpose of the Tabernacle in the Old Testament
- A permanent reality (Revelation 21:3)
- God came to live in a tent so we could know Him more clearly.
- God wants to be seen and known in His Son.
Jesus Revealed His Glory: We Have Seen the Glory of the Word
- “His glory” δόξαν (doxan): the visible manifestation of God’s character, excellence
- “we have seen” θεασάμεθα (etheasametha): to look closely at, a deliberate, amazed gazing
- The seven signs show His glory (water into wine, 3 healings, feeding the 5,000, walking on water, raising Lazarus from the dead)
- The glory of the Cross—Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified” (John 13:31).
The Word Is Full of Grace and Truth Therefore He Invites Us to Him
- The Perfect Balance: 100/100
- The woman caught in adultery (John 8)
- The culmination at the Cross
- The truth of God’s holiness had to be satisfied; sin has a price.
- The grace of God provided the substitute; Jesus paid it Himself.
Our Response:
- God’s plan from the beginning was to be with us.
- If you are not yet a follow of Jesus, believe and receive.
- If you are – who around you does God want you to be His “in the flesh” ambassador to?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Would people say you tend to be more “grace orientated” or “truth orientated” ? Why?
- What is something “glorious” you have seen or experienced? How did it impact you?
- Read John 1:14 out loud from multiple versions of the Bible if possible (you can do so online using the Youversion App or BibleGateway.com)
- What words stand out to you in this verse? Why?
- When you consider the four keys truths about Jesus that John reveals in this verse, which speaks the loudest to you? Why?
- The Word Became Flesh
- The Word Dwelled Among Us
- The Word Revealed the Glory of God
- The Word Oozed Out Grace and Truth
- There are many heresies that this verse would dispute. For instance – there are groups that would argue Jesus wasn’t really God. What Scriptures would you use to show them evidence that Jesus is God?
- Other groups would argue that Jesus wasn’t fully human. What scriptures would you use to show them evidence that Jesus is human?
- Why do you think it is important for us to recognize that Jesus is fully God and fully human?
- Why do you think God’s grace must always be balanced by His truth? What errors emerge if we err on either side?
- Jesus knows what it is like to live a genuinely human life. How is that an encouragement in your life?
- How have you seen the grace and truth of God show up in your life?
- How will you be God’s representative “in the flesh” this week to those around you?
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith
- In Jesus, God has “dwelled among” people like John, the writer of this gospel. If that is true, then by exploring the life of Jesus, we can know God more. How will you do that this week?
Growing in Faith
- Memorize John 1:14 this week. Make a plan to study the seven signs/miracles.
- John gives us his gospel to help us see the glory of God. What kind of change would you like to experience from seeing Jesus’ glory? How might you grow in awareness of God and His glory this week so that this change can happen?
Centered in Faith
- Who is God calling you to be His ambassador to in this coming week? How will you show God and tell about God to them in practical ways?