John 1:14-18 | What is a lesson for the original audience?

As I pointed out yesterday, John is not particularly concerned with with how the Word became human and took on flesh. Rather, he is more concerned with explaining what the implications of this was and is. To Israel, this would read very similarly to what they would know out of Exodus. The word for "dwelt" is eskēnōsen, which literally translates to "pitched a tent" or "tabernacled". This would draw the audience to consider Exodus 40:34-38 when the presence of God tabernacled with them in the midst of the camp. It would draw them to consider Jesus in this same light. As the presence of God went to and fro with the tabernacle, so the presence of God was found in the person Jesus.

In highlighting the beholding of the glory, it would surely resonate even further what John is saying. When God tabernacled among the people in Exodus, it was clearly seen that His glory was there. So the same, John is saying that Jesus beholds that glory. The lesson here is a clear one. Jesus truly is Immanuel, God With Us.

Along with Jesus came two very important ministries of Him that are overflowing from Him. Grace and truth cannot be neglected in the lesson that is here. Not only is the fact that God came and dwelt among man being highlighted, but the purpose for which He came is as well. Jesus came to bring grace and truth. It is highlighted twice in the span of this small section. They are very closely intertwined with Jesus as well. The implication becomes clear, and the rest of Scripture agrees. In Jesus is grace and truth. Therefore, those who are in Jesus abide in His grace and truth. He is full of it, and is in no sense lacking or being depleted of this resource. This gives a fullness to the idea that this is indeed for all.

What lessons are you seeing for the original audience?