Grace upon Grace (John 1 v 9 – 18) – Terry Nightingale
John 1: 1 – 18 is widely regarded as a Prologue to the rest of his Gospel, a sort of overview, introducing some of the main themes of the book.
In the first nine verses we are introduced to the Word, whom we realise later is Jesus Christ. In last week’s devotion we learned:
- He is not just a human that was born in Israel around 6BC−He has been around since the beginning of time.
- Somehow, every part of the universe came into being through Him.
- Physical, Spiritual and Eternal life originates in Him. There is no other source because that life is the light of all mankind.
Verse 9 tells us that the true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world (John 1:9).
Can’t you see who I am?
I recently saw some YouTube Shorts showing toddlers’ reactions to fathers who had shaved off their beards. The first baby looked visibly shocked and cried out “Nooooo!”; the second’s face contorted to a distraught wail, and another one just turned and bolted.
We are not sure whether the kids didn’t recognise their dad, or just that he wasn’t what they were expecting.
Most Jews in the first century expected a Messiah — a human, Davidic king who would restore Israel. In some apocalyptic circles, there was also anticipation of a heavenly or pre-existent deliverer. The writer, John, will work hard in his Gospel to show us that Jesus was the one they were expecting (whatever their tradition) – and more! But will also let us see how people responded. In a nutshell, it turned out to be reception or rejection – some believed and received Jesus; others rejected him.
And John lays it all out in this Prologue:
Jesus was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
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 1:10-14)
Verse 10 above must be one of the most tragic verses in the whole Bible. In one incredible moment in history God was in the world as a human being, the world he had made thousands of years previously. Yet the ones He created didn’t even recognise who He was.
Let alone receive what He was offering.
Grace and Truth
But some did. They saw His glory. They experienced His grace and truth.
Have you received His grace?
I love that phrase “grace and truth”. He repeats it in verse 17, but he also writes, Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given (John 1:16) – or “grace upon grace” as the old NIV used to say.
Back in the day, the Lord had described Himself to Moses as “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…” (Exodus 34:6). Grace is kindness, favour, the self-giving of God.
And the greatest gift of all was, of course, Jesus himself. Grace upon (on top of) the mountains of grace already given towards His people throughout the whole Old Testament narrative.
Let’s pray
What grace have you been given that you can express gratitude for?
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17). What a privilege it is to be living in New Covenant days−the days since Jesus came. The days of a new relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. When we can daily receive His grace in our lives out of his fullness!
What grace do you need today? I know I need some. Whether it is forgiveness for that attitude I expressed yesterday, or His help when I don’t know what to do. The good news is there is plenty of it and He is a kind and generous God.
Discovering God in a Crazy World
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