The Gospel of John: John 1.17, 18

Meditate on John 1.17, 18.
John links the Word of God Who has become flesh to the Word of God given through Moses. Both the Law and Jesus Christ are the Word of God. Neither cancels out the other. Law, grace, and truth all come together in Jesus, and we must not separate them from one another, or from Him.

¹⁷The Law of God through Moses’ hand was given;
but grace and truth have come to us from heaven
through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸No one has ever seen
the face of God; the Son of God has been
within the Father’s bosom, and has shared
His Deity. Him has the Son declared.

- John 1.17, 18

Reflect
1.  The NKJV inserts the word but between the clauses of verse 17. The effect of this is to suggest a contrast between the Law of God and the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. But in the original Greek, the but is not there (as the NKJV acknowledges by putting it in italics). Thus, not a contrast, but perhaps continuity and development are indicated. How do the grace and truth of Jesus fulfill the Law given through Moses? Complete this prayer: Lord, I want all Your Word to teach and instruct me…

2.  The Word of God gave the Law to Moses. Then the Word of God gave the Old Testament as a commentary and exposition of the Law, all the while pointing forward to the Word Who would come in the flesh. The Word became flesh, and that same Word inspired the writers of the New Testament. Meditate on John 5.39. How should seeing the Word of God like this affect the way we read and study our Bibles? Lord, teach me how to…

3.  God is a pure and holy, uncreated and eternal Spirit. He does not exist in time; therefore, it is not possible for those who do live in time to see Him, that is, to observe Him with our physical eyes. Does this mean we can’t know Him? If we can, but not by seeing Him, how then? Lord, help me to know You as I…

4.  The Law of God declares God to us. The Scriptures declare God to us. The heavens and all creation declare the glory of God (Ps. 19.1-4). But the word of God, the Son of God, Jesus Christ declares God or, as the NKJV has it, explains Him. Meditate on Hebrews 1.1-3. Why was it necessary for the Word to become flesh? How does He explain God? Eternal God, heavenly Father, I want to know You, for this is life eternal (Jn. 17.3). Help me, Father, to…

5.  The Word of God, Who is “in the bosom of the Father,” took on flesh in Jesus Christ, a man born in a particular place and time. He came to explain God to us and to bring grace for grace into our lives. How important is it for our witness – our calling as agents of grace – that we know Jesus intimately and well? How can we do that? Bring together into one your prayers from questions 1-4.

Summary
“The Word of God is in the bosom of his Father, that is, in the hidden and secret places of God. The fountain of wisdom is there, and from it one may drink the everlasting drink of eternal life in place of death.” Ambrose of Milan (333-397 AD)

We can know God, even though we can’t see Him, because Jesus Christ, the Word and Son of God incarnate, has declared and explained Him to us. No wonder all who receive Him, all who believe in Him, have the power to become sons and daughters of the living God! Already we can see that the story of Jesus is Good News. How do you expect to experience this Good News today?

Closing Prayer
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts iswith us;
The God of Jacob isour refuge.

Psalm 46.1-7

Psalm 46.1-5 (St. Chrysostom: We Have Not Known Thee As We Ought)
God is our Refuge and our Strength; You are our help in times of need.
Thus though the earth beneath us should change, the sea consume the mountain range;
Waters may roar with raging speed; yet God will rescue us at length.

Your everlasting, joyous grace gladdens the city where You dwell.
Safely in You, we will not be moved; when morning dawns, Your love will be proved.
Fears and distresses Jesus dispels for His belovèd, chosen race.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.