The Word Became Flesh

In the first portion of John's gospel, we see an amazing truth. We see the eternally existing God who was there "in the beginning" and through whom the entire world was made actually becoming flesh and dwelling with His people. In fact, when John tells us that the Word came to "dwell among us," he uses a Greek word that means literally "to dwell in a tent." Another way to say this is that He "tabernacled" with us. This is a clear reference back to the days of Israel's wanderings when God was present to dwell with His people. In Exodus 25:8 we read that the purpose of building the portable tabernacle within the camp of Israel was so that God "may dwell in their midst." Later, in Exodus 40:34, we see that the glory of the Lord "filled the tabernacle." So, when John tells us that Jesus has come to tabernacle with us, he is suggesting that just as God dwelt with His people in the days of wandering, so too in a more personal and powerful way He has come to live in our midst through Jesus.

In his five series commentary on the gospel of John, James Montgomery Boice reminds us of six truths about the Old Testament tabernacle that are worth remembering. First, the tabernacle was at the center of the camp, marking God as the central focus of Israel's life together. Likewise, Jesus has become the central focus of the Christian community, and our individual as well as common life together rightly revolve around him. Second, the tabernacle was the place where the law of Moses was preserved. So, too, the law of God is perfeclty maintained, preserved and fulfilled in the person of Jesus. Third, the tabernacle was the dwelling place of God. It was at the tabernacle that heaven and earth intersected. In a similar way, in the presence of Jesus, heaven and earth intersect. Fourth, the tabernacle was the place of guidance and revelation. Often, it was at the temple where God spoke to His people. Likewise, it is now Jesus where the believer goes for the revelation of truth for daily guidance in life. God speaks to us through His Son. Fifth, the tabernacle was the place where sacrifices were made. So it is for us that Jesus has become our sacrifice for sin so that we might approach God the Father with confidence. And finally, the tabernacle was the place where Israel worshipped. Likewise, it is in the presence of Jesus where we, God's people, gather for worship.

How significant it is that the Word became flesh and "tabernacled" among us. It means that He has become the center of our lives, the place where God's law is fulfilled and preserved, the place where heaven and earth meet, the person who gives us truth and guidance, the one who has become our sacrificial lamb and the place where we gather for worship. Through all of this, in the person of Jesus, God has come to live among us by the power of His Spirit...to reveal Himself to us...to be our God and cause us to be His people.