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The Word Made Flesh
Scripture Passage:
John 1:1-18 Attached audio files:
INTRODUCTION: To understand the gospel record of Jesus Christ, we must go back before the beginning of time where the Son of God already dwells. This lesson deals with the very important truth that God’s Son did not begin at the time of His birth in a manger. He existed in eternity past and was the Creator of all things.
- THE IDENTITY OF THE WORD (John 1:1-5 [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
See All...) - Seven References to Christ as the Word
- In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
See All...). - The Word was with God (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
See All...). - The Word was God (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
See All...). - The Word was made flesh (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All...). - The disciples saw Him who is the Word of life (1 John 1:1-2 [1] That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
[2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
See All...). - The Word is three in one with the Father and the Holy Ghost (1 John 5:7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
See All...). - He who returns to earth in power is called The Word of God (Revelation 19:13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
See All...). - Seven Truths Concerning the Word (John 1:1-5 [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
[4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
See All...) - The eternity of the Word (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
See All...a); the Word already was; that is, He already existed (Micah 5:2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
See All...; John 8:58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
See All...). - The personality of the Word (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
See All...b); this refers to His identity as separate from the Father. He is “with God.” That is, He is the companion of the Father, alongside the Father (John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
See All...). - The deity of the Word (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
See All...c); the “Word was God.” He is one with the Father and the Spirit (John 10:30I and my Father are one.
See All...; 1 John 5:7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
See All...). - The immutability of the Word (John 1:2The same was in the beginning with God.
See All...); the “same was in the beginning with God.” The same Word who “was God” and “was with God” is now made flesh (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All...). Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
See All...). - The creativity of the Word (John 1:3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
See All..., 10); Jesus Christ, as the Word, is the person of the Godhead who directly created all things. See Ephesians 3:9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
See All...; Colossians 1:15-16 [15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: [16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
See All...; Hebrews 1:2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
See All...; Hebrews 2:9-10 [9] But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. [10] For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
See All.... - The vitality of the Word (John 1:4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
See All...); the Word is life (John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
See All...; John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
See All...). - The luminosity of the Word (John 1:4-5 [4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
[5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
See All...) - A light to men (John 1:4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
See All...b; John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
See All...; John 12:46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
See All...) - A light to shine in darkness (John 1:5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
See All...a; John 12:35-36 [35] Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. [36] While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
See All...) - A light rejected by darkness (John 1:5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
See All...b; John 3:19-20 [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
See All... ) - Both Christ and Scripture as the Word of God
- Both are called the word of God.
- Christ (John 1:1-2 [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
See All..., 14; Revelation 19:13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
See All...) - Scripture (1 Thessalonians 2:11-13 [11] As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
[12] That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
[13] For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
See All...; Ephesians 6:17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
See All...) - Both are called wonderful.
- Christ (Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
See All...) - Scripture (Psalm 119:129Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
See All...) - Both are called truth.
- Christ (John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
See All...) - Scripture (John 17:17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
See All...) - Both are called the light.
- Christ (John 1:6-9 [6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
See All...) - Scripture (Psalm 119:105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
See All..., 130) - Both are called the life.
- Christ (John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
See All...; John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
See All...) - Scripture (Philippians 2:14-16 [14] For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
[15] Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!
[16] Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD's right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory.
See All...) - Both have been tried.
- Christ (Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
See All...) - Scripture (Psalm 12:6The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
See All...; Psalm 18:30As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
See All...) - Both are a stone of stumbling.
- Christ (1 Peter 2:6-8 [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
[7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
See All...) - Scripture (1 Peter 2:7-8 [7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
See All...) - Both are called precious.
- Christ (1 Peter 2:6-7 [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
[7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
See All...) - Scripture (2 Peter 1:4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
See All...) - Both are essential to the new birth.
- Christ (1 John 5:1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
See All...) - Scripture (1 Peter 1:23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
See All..., 25) - Both are eternal.
- Christ (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
See All...) - Scripture (Psalm 119:89For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
See All...; Isaiah 40:6-8 [6] The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: [7] The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. [8] The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
See All...) - Notes:
- The living Word and the written word are inseparable.
- No one can reject the scriptures without rejecting Christ.
- THE INTRODUCTION OF THE WORD BY JOHN THE BAPTIST (John 1:6-9 [6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
[8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
See All...) - He Was Sent from God (John 1:6-7 [6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
[7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
See All...). - The Man – John (John 1:6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
See All...) “There was a man.” - God uses men (Jeremiah 5:1Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.
See All...; Ezekiel 22:30And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
See All...). - God gave a special calling to John (Luke 1:13-17 [13] But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
[14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
[15] For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
[16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
[17] And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
See All...; Matthew 11:7-11 [7] And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? [8] But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. [9] But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. [10] For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [11] Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
See All...). - His Master – God (John 1:6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
See All...) “sent from God” - His Mission – to Witness (John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
See All...) “came for a witness;” (John 1:15John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
See All..., 29; John 5:32-35 [32] There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. [33] Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. [34] But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. [35] He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
See All...) - His Message – to Believe on the Light (John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
See All...) “might believe” - He Pointed to the Light (John 1:8-9 [8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
See All...). - He was not that Light (John 1:8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
See All...). - He separated himself from the Light (John 1:19-20 [19] And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
[20] And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
See All...). - He exalted the Light above himself (John 1:26-27 [26] John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
[27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
See All..., 30). - He bore witness to that Light (John 1:8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
See All..., 29). - He bore record of that Light (John 1:9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
See All...); lighting every man that came into the world (Psalm 98:2The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
See All...; Titus 2:11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
See All...). - THE IMPACT OF THE WORD (John 1:10-13 [10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
See All...) - He Was Refused by the World (John 1:10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
See All...; Acts 4:26-27 [26] The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. [27] For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
See All...; 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 [6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
See All...; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 [3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
See All...; 1 John 3:1Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
See All...). - He Was Rejected by His Own (John 1:11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
See All...; John 11:47-53 [47] Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. [48] If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. [49] And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, [50] Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. [51] And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; [52] And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. [53] Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
See All...; John 19:14-15 [14] And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! [15] But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.
See All...; Acts 3:13-15 [13] The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. [14] But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; [15] And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
See All...). - He Was Received by the Few (John 1:12-13 [12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
[13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
See All...). - Their belief (John 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
See All...) - They believed on His name (John 3:18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
See All...; Acts 4:12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
See All...). - They received Him as their Saviour (Colossians 2:6As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
See All...). - They were enabled to become the sons of God (Galatians 3:26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
See All...; 1 John 3:1-2 [1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. [2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
See All...). - Their birth (John 1:13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
See All...) - Not by family association – “not of blood” (John 8:33-44 [33] They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
[34] Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
[35] And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
[36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
[37] I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
[38] I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
[39] They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
[40] But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
[41] Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
[42] Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
[43] Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
[44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
See All...) - Not by fleshly motions – “nor of the will of the flesh” (Romans 7:5For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
See All...) - Not by forceful decision – “nor of the will of man” (Romans 7:18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
See All...) - Note: Four ways by which men can be the sons of God:
- By creation (Luke 3:38Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
See All...) - By redemption (Exodus 34:20But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.
See All...); to redeem is to buy back – God bought us back from sin by the death of His Son on the cross. - By regeneration (1 John 5:1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
See All...) – We are born into the family of God (John 3:5-7 [5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
See All...). - By adoption (Galatians 4:5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
See All...) - THE INCARNATION OF THE WORD (John 1:14-18 [14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
[15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
[16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
[17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
[18] No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
See All...) - The Word Was Made Flesh (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All...). - The Word was God (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
See All...). The same Word (John 1:2The same was in the beginning with God.
See All...) became man (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All...). - Accomplished by the Holy Ghost and the power of the Highest (Luke 1:35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
See All...) – the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
See All...; Matthew 1:18-23 [18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. [19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. [20] But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. [21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. [22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
See All...) - Called the mystery of godliness (1 Timothy 3:16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
See All...); as opposed to the mystery of iniquity (2 Thessalonians 2:7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
See All...) - Made of a woman (Galatians 4:4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
See All...); as the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
See All...) - Made of the seed of David (Romans 1:3Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
See All...) – Jesus is called the “son of David” 14 times, all in Matthew, Mark, and Luke (Matthew 1:1The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
See All...; Matthew 9:27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.
See All...; Matthew 21:9And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
See All...). - Made like unto his brethren (Hebrews 2:16-17 [16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
[17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
See All...) - Made in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
See All...) - The Word Dwelt among Us (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All...); The child is born but the Son is given (Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
See All...); this reveals His pre-existence. - They Beheld His Glory ( John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All...; Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
See All...; 2 Corinthians 4:6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
See All...). - The Witness of John (John 1:15John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
See All...) - Having Received His Fullness (John 1:16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
See All...) - The fullness of the Son
- He is full of grace and truth (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All...). - All fullness dwells in Him (Colossians 1:19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
See All...). - In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
See All...). - The filling of the saints
- We are complete in Him (Colossians 2:10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
See All...). - We are to be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
See All...). - We are to grow unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
See All...). - Having Received Grace for Grace (John 1:16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
See All...) - Grace in the place of grace; new grace to replace old grace
- This is the doctrinal or dispensational meaning.
- Old Testament Grace
- The emphasis is on grace being found.
- Examples: (Genesis 6:8But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
See All...; Exodus 33:13Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
See All..., 17; Judges 6:16-17 [16] And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. [17] And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
See All...) - New Testament Grace
- The emphasis is on grace being given.
- Examples: (Romans 12:3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
See All..., 6; Romans 15:15Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
See All...; 1 Corinthians 1:4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
See All...; 1 Corinthians 3:10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
See All...; Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
See All...; Ephesians 3:2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
See All..., 7-8; Ephesians 4:7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
See All...; 2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
See All...; James 4:6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
See All...; 1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
See All...) - Grace on top of grace; continual gifts of grace according to the need
- This is the practical or spiritual meaning.
- Salvation is by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9 [8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
See All...; Titus 3:7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
See All...). - Daily living for Christ is by grace.
- By the grace of God we are and we labor (1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
See All...). - By the grace of God we abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
See All...). - By the sufficiency of God’s grace, His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
See All...; 2 Corinthians 3:5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
See All...). - At the throne of grace, we can find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
See All...). - Interpretation of John 1:17For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
See All... - The key comparison is between the law and Christ.
- Both came from God.
- Law (Deuteronomy 30:10If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
See All...) - Christ (John 8:42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
See All...) - Both were sent down to earth.
- Law (Deuteronomy 29:29The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.
See All...) - Christ (John 1:10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
See All...) - Both were empowered or written by the finger of God.
- Law (Exodus 31:18And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
See All...) - Christ (Luke 11:20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
See All...) - The identity of the finger of God (cp. Luke 11:20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
See All... with Matthew 12:28But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
See All...) is the Spirit of God. - Applied to Christ (John 3:34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
See All...) - Both are called the truth.
- Law (Psalm 119:142Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
See All...) - Christ (John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
See All...) - Both are called light.
- Law (Proverbs 6:23For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
See All...) - Christ (John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
See All...) - Both are called bread.
- Law (Deuteronomy 8:3And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
See All...) - Christ (John 6:48I am that bread of life.
See All..., 51) - Both were broken by the sins of the people.
- Law (Exodus 32:19And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.
See All...) - Christ (Luke 22:19And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
See All...) - Both were resurrected by the power of God.
- Law (Exodus 34:1And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.
See All...) - Christ (Acts 2:23-24 [23] Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
[24] Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
See All...) - As the two tables of stone represented one law, so Jesus Christ, being both God and man, is one person.
- As the two tables of stone were written within and without (Exodus 32:15And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.
See All...), so Christ was totally pure within and without. - The law that God sent down was truth (Psalm 119:142Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.
See All...), but instead of being grace, it was full of judgment (Exodus 24:3And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.
See All...). - But Christ contained within Himself all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
See All...). He must reveal the fullness of the nature of God (John 14:9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
See All...). In Christ truth and grace are together in their fullest sense. - It is in the New Testament in Christ Jesus that grace and truth are fully joined on earth (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All..., 17). - Colossians 1:5-6 [5] For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
[6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
See All... brings the two concepts together: - Our hope is based on “the word of the truth of the gospel” (Colossians 1:5For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
See All...). - By this gospel we “knew the grace of God in truth” (Colossians 1:6Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
See All...); this explains how Jesus Christ is full of grace and truth. - No Man Hath Seen God (John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
See All...); no man has seen God in His full glory while in the flesh (Exodus 33:20And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
See All...; John 6:46Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
See All...; 1 Timothy 6:16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
See All...; 1 John 4:12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
See All...). - The Only Begotten Son (John 1:18No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
See All...) - The Biblical use of “only begotten”
- Once refers to Isaac (Hebrews 11:17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
See All...) - Five times refers to Christ (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All..., 18; John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
See All..., 18; 1 John 4:9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
See All...) - Indicates a unique relationship
- The different ways in which Jesus is the Son of God
- He is the Son of God by merit of His eternal relationship with the Father (John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
See All...). - He is the Son of God by merit of His rule over all creation (Colossians 1:15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
See All...; compare Revelation 3:14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
See All...); in this, He is declared to be the firstborn of every creature as Israel is declared to be the firstborn of God (Exodus 4:22And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
See All...); it is simply an exalted position. - He is the Son of God by merit of the virgin birth (Luke 1:35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
See All...). - He is the Son of God by merit of His resurrection from the dead (Psalm 2:7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
See All...; Acts 13:33God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
See All...; Colossians 1:18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
See All...; Revelation 1:5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
See All...; Romans 1:3-4 [3] Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; [4] And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
See All...; Hebrews 5:5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
See All...).
CONCLUSION: The birth of Jesus Christ was the most important birth ever known to man. He was God revealed in a body. God came down to us in order to show His love to all mankind. He even came down for you.
MEMORY VERSES:John 1:4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
See All... – In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
See All... – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
See All... – And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.