What does "dwelt among us" reveal about God's desire for relationship with humanity? God steps into our world “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14 • “Dwelt” (Greek skēnoō) means “pitched His tent,” signaling a deliberate, sustained presence, not a brief visit. • By taking on flesh, God removes every barrier between Himself and humanity, showing He wants relationship more than ritual, companionship more than distance. Echoes of the Tabernacle • “Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, and I will dwell among them.” – Exodus 25:8 • In the wilderness, God’s glory cloud filled a tent. In Christ, that glory walks in sandals through Judea. • The tabernacle was movable and approachable; Jesus embodies that same accessibility, revealing God’s heart to be near wherever His people are. Personal, tangible relationship • Shared humanity: “Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every way.” – Hebrews 2:17 • Felt our pain: “We do not have a high priest unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.” – Hebrews 4:15 • Spoke our language, ate our food, touched the sick—every act underscores God’s desire for face-to-face fellowship. Grace and truth face-to-face • John 1:14 links dwelling with “grace and truth.” Relationship is neither sentimental nor sterile; it is founded on unmerited favor and unwavering fidelity. • In Jesus, grace is not abstract; truth is not distant. God’s character meets us where we live. An unbroken storyline • Genesis 3:8 – God walked in the garden with Adam and Eve. • Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23 – “Immanuel” means “God with us.” • 2 Corinthians 6:16 – “I will live with them and walk among them.” • Revelation 21:3 – “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” Across Scripture, God’s plan consistently progresses toward deeper, permanent communion. How this shapes our daily walk • Confidence: If God moved into our neighborhood once, He remains willing to be present in our everyday routines. • Holiness: The Holy One lives among us; our lives become living temples (1 Corinthians 6:19). • Mission: As Christ was sent to dwell with us, we are sent to dwell among others, carrying His presence (John 20:21). |
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