You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
John the Apostle had spent three years with Jesus and, in many ways, was the closest to Him of all the disciples. This verse is John's inspired (by the Holy Spirit) summary of Jesus. Jesus was the Word of God, the Almighty One who was made visible in a human body. He was God who spoke through a human mouth; and yet by His teaching, signs and wonders showed He was no ordinary man. Jesus was not just a good man who presented God, but God Himself; demonstrating the perfection of God's design for humanity.
By "making His dwelling among us", Jesus was observed 24/7. Any blemish in His character would have been seen; any inconsistency between what He said and did would have been glaringly obvious. The glory of God was seen in the transfiguration of Jesus, His resurrection and ascension. Having known Him so well, John had no doubt at all that this man was also God. Although the default character of human beings is to be full of themselves, Jesus was full of the Father. Although He was equal to His Father, He was not independent from Him. He did not speak solely by His own authority, but only as agreed with God the Father (John 14:24). For those who had previously thought of God as being a demanding judge, Jesus presented more of His character. Everything He said was true, everything He did had integrity, and the way He behaved was full of grace.
No wonder then, when people understand who Jesus is, they are drawn to Him: as iron to a magnet and as plants to the light. They are amazed to find that there is total harmony and unity between God the Son and God the Father. It is still true that we can best understand God by understanding Jesus. But more than that, we can get to know God personally as we put our trust in Jesus. He is the answer that the world is looking for. Therefore, those who love Jesus hold the secret to peace with God. How cruel it would be for us to hold others back from knowing God, forgiveness and eternal life, by keeping quiet about the greatest open secret in the world! Pray for courage to speak about Jesus to at least one person you meet today.
Prayer: Dear Father God. Thank You so much for sending Jesus to live on earth. Thank You for arranging that all His wonderful words and deeds were recorded, so that I might come to believe in Him. I am sorry when I have not valued the privilege of my relationship with Him, and when I have not shared what I know of Him with others. Help me to see Him afresh today, to wonder at His kindness in leaving Heaven so that I might become Your child. Help me to look out for an opportunity to speak about Him, as the Person who is first in my heart. Please lead me in conversation today and prompt me to speak of Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
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