John__1

Scripture - What stood out?

John 1:16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. Observation - What does it say?The first chapter of John lays out the beginning of Jesus’s ministry as he gathers disciples to himself. The first chapter is also John the baptist’s  testimony about who he believes Jesus to be - the son of God. God’s grace = God’s unmerited favor. Aka favor we did not earn. Understanding - What does it mean?For those of us who believe, John chapter 1 is such a breath of fresh air isn’t it? For me as I reflect on Jesus and ask God to reveal Himself to me more, this chapter is like one of my favorite “first moments of Jesus”. I like to visualize what this chapter might have looked like as Jesus was first recognized by John the baptist (as an adult), as Jesus prepares his ministry. It is just a moment that makes me smile inwardly no matter what! I love how the author of this book (many theologians believe that the author of this book is John the disciple of Jesus) puts Jesus into perspective with the old testament. I want to say this out loud again so I’ll type it here: Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. What a beautiful and succinct descriptor of just how the old and new testament is connected. I have grown to love the old testament bible because within those books is where I found the Father’s heart revealed and crying out to His children to come back to him. No matter how many times we messed up in the old testament, God gave us another chance to turn back to Him. And that never stopped all the way up to the birth of his son Jesus and beyond. Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today? Jesus is God the Father’s grace - in place of grace already given. This is such a beautiful reminder Lord. Continue to show me just exactly how your old and new testament are connected. Help me to spend the rest of my day growing in greater understanding of You. Help me to reflect on what is truly Amazing Grace.