The Words Matter
Here we go! Let's dig deeper into John 1:14 and see where God leads us as we define words and find scripture cross-references by "verse mapping". This is by far my favorite way to explore scripture on my own. Using scripture to define scripture is a huge blessing for me!
The Word
Scripture cross-references:
John 1:1-5. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." JESUS IS THE WORD. Period ;)
I was overwhelmed by how many times in the Bible it says this: "The Word of the Lord came to... *whoever*".
Jesus has always been coming TO us! Seeking us out, always there when we need Him most! It was just a really comforting thought I had while breaking this verse down.
became
intransitive verb: to undergo change
Jesus was already God, Spirit, everything we associate with our God in Heaven. He underwent a change to become FLESH, so He could be WITH us! Another comforting thought!
flesh
noun: physical nature of human beings
**my note: flesh is a human thing. Though we are made in the image of God, the flesh part is ours...which led me to the scripture cross-reference and how much more meaningful that is!
scripture cross-reference
Matthew 26:41 "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak."
Galatians 5:24 "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
and made His dwelling
noun: the place someone lives
scripture cross-references
Psalm 90:1 "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations."
Leviticus 26:11 "I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you."
Psalm 132:7 "Let us go to his dwelling place, let us worship at his footstool,"
Psalm 91:9-12 "If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."
**my note: Jesus didn't do the "dwelling" thing halfway...He made the place He lived HERE, on this broken planet instead of Heaven. On purpose. Mind-blowing.
among us.
preposition: in or through the midst of, surrounded by; in company or association with
**my note: I love that the definition of among is "in association with". It really made me step back for a second and think about that. Jesus wanted to be associated with US.
Us, as in, you and me and all our sinful tendencies. Jesus thought it better to come down here to Earth and be associated with our mistakes, regrets, bad decisions, & fleshy desires then to stay in heaven where it was safe. He knew what He was getting Himself into, and yet!
He came down here in the most humble of circumstances and lived life right alongside the very people who would turn against Him on that fateful day.
Jesus never ceases to amaze me in His selfless-ness and surrender to God's will. It's beautiful and inspiring!
scripture cross-references
1 Chronicles 16:24 "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples."
Matthew 23:11 "The greatest among you will be your servant."
Proverbs 15:31 "Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise."
John 6:43 "“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered." (ummm I love how direct Jesus was at times. Plus, may have needed that reminder!)
Psalm 77:14 "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples."
I could go on and on with all sorts of tangents but I will spare you. Please explore this scripture yourself and see where God leads you!
Happy Digging!
