What Is The Heart Of John’s Wonderful Message To The World?
Were we to try to see the magnificent characteristics of Jesus Christ or to view all of the wondrous works that He performed on earth there would be no book large enough to include them all. John’s final statement in his gospel account is just that statement. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen” (John 21: 25). The complexity of any human being with their life, their emotions, and their desires is nearly impossible to fully know or understand. That is even more true were one to try to know or comprehend all of Christ’s life or characteristics. In Christ is the perfect only begotten son of God, God Himself in Human Flesh with all the Glory that is God; yet, who willing adorned a body like ours. He is the lion of Judah with all the power, majesty and might of a lion. He is also the humble, obedient, gentle lamb of God who laid down His life as a sacrifice for mankind.
[bctt tweet=”We will never fully know all of who Christ is nor comprehend His magnificent Glory and beauty.”] Perhaps it will take eternity in His presence to begin to comprehend “How Majestic He Truly Is”. His beauty, Glory and Grace become more precious to me each and every day that I live. It is no wonder that we are given at minimum 4 gospel accounts and each are presented from a different focus so that we might see Christ.
John’s Gospel begins differently than any of the other gospels as we have already looked at. Before we continue on through the gospel of John, I want to pause and take a moment to look at three keys points that are the heart of John’s Gospel. The manner in which John presents all of his gospel is to focus on three major characteristics of Jesus Christ. That is the theme throughout his gospel and is presented in chapter 1 as such. We have looked at the presentation of Christ as The WORD, the light, the truth, the glory and the grace of God. As such, let us look at the three major points that are at the heart of John’s Gospel. When we look at the following chapters, we need to keep in mind these three characteristics that John most wants us to see. John wants us to recognize Christ’s Glory. He wants the eyes of our heart to be opened, so that we might desire Christ.
John 1: “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…. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.”
THE HEART OF JOHN’S GOSPEL TO THE WORLD
1. Deity of Christ. He is the only begotten of the Father. The only true son of God who as John has already pointed out is God. “Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1) Christ is God incarnate.
2. Glory of God-In his human form, we are able to see so much of God’s Glory. That Glory is presented so that we might know Him. Perfect Righteousness is displayed as he in diverse trials never sinned. Perfect Justice meets with Perfect Love on the cross. Compassion, sorrow and joy meet in the heart of Christ’s ministry. He is truth, light, love, hope, mercy, joy, compassion, and grace all presented in one.
3. Grace of Christ “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” (John 1:12).
As we continue through our studies in the book of John, it is important that we see God’s Glory revealed and that we truly begin to understand how much grace upon grace is ours in Christ. [bctt tweet=”Feasting on God’s Word every moment of every day would only show a glimpse of Christ’s true glory.”] Let us begin.
The Video I chose for you today is: That’s My Saviour Jesus Christ! Do You Know Him?
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header and who designed my logo is Ronald Barba. To obtain your own portrait, logo, or art design please contact Ronald Barba at the email below. If you can dream it, he can draw or design it for you. Do you want to surprise someone with an extraordinary special gift of a personal portrait? An idea for a book cover? Or a new logo? Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.