The Word Became Flesh

Read ​|Luke 1: 26 - 38; John 1:14|

From Eden the word was spoken. And for generations thereafter, that same word would be echoed through the prophets. He is coming. He is coming. He is coming soon. For generations hearts grew large with expectation, until in a place of little reputation an angel appeared to a girl in whom God delighted and said: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Listen carefully: you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” (Luke 1: 30 - 31, AMP). And she who delighted in God said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1: 38, AMP).

The word found its home in the womb of her heart, releasing the action of the Holy Spirit as it made the promise manifest in her body. The Holy Spirit performed the word, fashioning earthly Jesus in the womb of a young virgin. (Luke 1: 35). And in the fullness of time Jesus was born. He became flesh and dwelt amongst us. God with us. (John 1:14).

In flesh He showed us what it was like to live a righteous life--to live a life perfectly intertwined with the Father. In the flesh, He “explained Him [and interpreted and revealed the awesome wonder of the Father].” (John 1:18). Every thought, word, hope and action a one-to-one mapping of the Father’s. (John 5: 19 - 20).
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He modeled the new humanity He came to extend to us. He used His body to glorify God. He used His body to show what the power of God in an earthen vessel looked, walked and lived like. His living body sang perfectly, the song creation at its best can only faintly raise:

Go Deeper
Bright, dull, loud, soft, sweet, savory, smooth or rough--our body is our point of contact with the natural world. It is flesh, muscle, nerves, fat, water, nutrient rich blood and bone woven together. Take time today, or at some other point, to learn more about the body that God loves.

Go further, read the following suggested Scriptures to note how Jesus uses His body to declare that God is great:

1. Jesus who lived a fully human life, yet who was without sin: Hebrews 4:15.
2. Jesus who touches and heals: Matthew 8: 1 - 4, Matthew 8: 14 - 15 and Mark 8: 22 - 25.
3. Jesus who feasted: Mark 2: 16 - 17 and Luke 10: 38 - 42
4. Jesus who fasted: Matthew 4: 1 - 4.
5. Jesus who wept: John 11:35.
6. Jesus who rested: Mark 4:38 and Luke 10: 38 - 42.
7. Jesus whose body was prepared for us: Mark 14:8, 1 Corinthians 11: 23 - 25 and Hebrews 10:5.
8. Jesus whose stripes heal:1 Peter 2: 21 - 25.

  10. Jesus who died: John 3:16, John 10:18 and 1 John 4:10.
  11. Jesus who lives: Luke 24: 36 - 49.

​Reflect: In what ways is the Spirit calling you to further glorify Him in your body?