Text: John 1:14
Topic: What the glory of God looks like in Christ

• When John wrote about Jesus in his gospel, he wrote about a friend that he loves; but he also wrote profound theology.
• The Word is the logos—the explanation or communication of a holy God.
• The phrase "One and Only" means there's no one like the Word.

• When John uses the word "flesh," he is speaking about a human body—an affront to the Docetists of his day.
• The Docetists said God would never become a human being, because human beings are sinful.
• We are not sinful in our bodies; we are sinful in our minds and how we use our bodies.
• The one who always was God became a human being as well.
  • Illustration: Larson shares two stories of people doubting the Incarnation because of the mystery of the Virgin Birth.
• The Incarnation elevates the doctrine of human beings, because God honors human beings as the only spiritual beings.

• John knew his Old Testament and had it in mind when he said the Word tabernacled among the people. 
• The tabernacle was a huge tent, filled with symbols: a place for sacrifice, a laver, a table with the Bread of Presence, lamp stands, incense, and the mercy seat.
• All these symbols led the person to the Inner Court and the Holy of Holies.
• People were warned to stay away from the tabernacle, because it was so holy and sacred.
• When Jesus came into our world, it was clear that the tabernacle stood for Jesus.

• Because John was very close to Jesus, he saw his glory.
• Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, John carefully selected the word for glory—doxa.
• The Hebrew equivalent to doxa—shekinah—described the glory of God that rested over the tabernacle.
  • Illustration: Larson tells how a Barbara Walters television special about heaven was inconclusive.
• We cannot be inconclusive; we have seen the glory of God in Jesus Christ.
• God helped John think of the tabernacle and the glory that rested over it.
• But when John says, "We beheld his glory," what is he talking about?
• John sees a different side of this glory—a more tender side.
  • Illustration: Larson shares a number of biblical examples of the tender side of God's glory.
• This is the type of glory we need from God—his tender, servant love.
• Jesus shows his full glory after the cross.
• The whole world can shout out the glory of Christ when they receive him as Savior.
• John spent the rest of his days thinking about the glory of God; he later wrote the Book of Revelation—a description what it's going to be like in the future.

• Keep in mind that the glory stays distant until you say, "Come into my heart, Lord Jesus."