John 1:15

"The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth."

Key Reflection

In John 1:15, the author refers to Jesus as the Word who became human, a concept rooted in the Jewish understanding of divine revelation and presence. The original audience would have recognized the term "Word" (Logos) from Greek philosophy but would interpret it here through their religious lens, seeing it as a reference to the divine speaking through prophets like Moses. When this Word took on flesh, it was seen as a profound act of intimacy, where God dwelt among humanity in the person of Jesus. The glory and majesty attributed to him—full of grace and truth—emphasized his unique relationship with the Father, setting him apart as the Son who embodies divine attributes.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 15. John bare witness of him . The evangelist now returns to the testimony of John the Baptist. He had stated that the Word became incarnate, and he now appeals to the testimony of John to show that, thus incarnate, he was the Messiah. He that cometh after me. He of whom I am the forerunner, or whose way I am come to prepare. See Barnes "Mt 3:3". Is preferred before me. Is superior to me. Most critics have supposed that the words translated "is preferred" relate to time, and not to dignity; meaning that though he came after him publicly, being six months younger than John, as well as entering on his work after John, yet that he had existed long before him.

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