Advent: Born to Dwell With Bible Study Fellowshipنموونە

Celebrating Jesus

Where do you start when it comes to celebrating Jesus’ life? Does it surprise you to find that none of the four Gospels begin with the day Mary gave birth to Him in Bethlehem? Matthew begins 42 generations before Jesus’ birth. He reviews the Old Testament family records from Abraham forward to confirm Jesus’ right to reign as King on David’s throne. Mark starts back with the writing of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, “the beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). Luke initially stresses his reliable sources, then begins with the birth of Jesus’ older cousin, John the Baptist.

Gospel writers Matthew, Mark, and Luke initiate their celebrations of Christ’s Incarnation by connecting His Advent to points in human history. But John’s Gospel goes back further. When John begins to celebrate the life of Jesus Christ, he goes back before creation, back into eternity past.

John’s Prologue

The opening verses of John’s Gospel are often called the prologue, meaning an introductory section or the “before story.” John reveals the eternal intimacy between God the Father and His Son before creation. This description of intimacy extends beyond the reach of our human minds. The loving intimacy between mother and child, husband and wife, sisters and brothers or dearest friends is only a dim shadow of the Trinity’s unity, perfect satisfaction, and love. God invites you to enter into His love today, right now—whether for the first time or perhaps more deeply and richly than ever before.

In later verses, John springs forward to the Son’s coming into the world. We behold God’s beloved, uniquely incarnated Son, full of glory and grace. He entered His world to dwell in the lovingly crafted human form. John more fully identifies Jesus Christ in 1:29, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

To conclude our study of Christ’s Incarnation, we will focus on verses 1 to 14 of John’s prologue. More than an introduction, each phrase reveals eternal wisdom.

• Read prayerfully. Ask God for wisdom as you seek His glory through His grace.
• Read slowly. Allow time to ponder and to understand these rich truths.
• Read faithfully. Expect your time in God’s Word to draw you closer to Jesus Christ.

Love to Tell the Story

Today we commonly refer to “the four Gospels,” but each writer proclaims the one gospel—the hope-filled good news that Jesus Christ has come! The Messiah sacrificially died for our sins and victoriously rose again that believers might dwell with God forever. (1) What a marvelous story to tell!

The gospel is the life-changing power of God that brings salvation and eternal life to all who believe. (2) Will you stop at this point and seriously consider whether you have ever personally received Christ by faith as your Lord, King, and Savior from sin? Whether we talk about being “saved” or “born again,” or speak of “eternal life,” all these terms describe one reality: new life in Christ.

When you receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, God gives you new birth. The result is new emotions, thoughts, and power—a new identity in Christ! This story deserves honor and celebration at all times. What do you know of this joyful reality?

Questions

1. What stands out in John 1:1-14 about the identity and actions of God the Son before His Incarnation?
2. Jesus Christ is God, and He is coming again! How does (or could) believing these truths import hope, faith, joy, and peace into your current circumstances?

Related verses:

1. Justification: Rom 4:24-25; 1 Cor 15:3
2. Salvation: Rom 1:16