“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
What would you do if Jesus moved into your neighborhood?
As a new family moves into the neighborhood there is excitement and questions. Who are our new neighbors? Do they have kids? Will they mow their yard? Will their dogs bark throughout the night?
Can you imagine if Jesus moved into the house, apartment, or dorm room next to you? Would you rush outside to clean up your yard to have a presentable house? Would you invite him over for a meal? Would you change the way that you interact with your children when they play in the front yard? Would you stay inside and never interact with him?
The truth is that Jesus did move into the neighborhood. 2,000 years ago Jesus came to earth in the form of a human to bring us grace, truth, hope, and salvation. He came to earth for that exact aim – to have his Spirit reside with you. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The Message translation says, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14). Jesus journeyed from heaven to earth so that you would journey with Him on earth and in heaven.
What is the correct response for Jesus coming to earth and “moving into the neighborhood”? One incorrect response is to try to impress Jesus with everything that you are doing. This is what the Pharisees did in the New Testament. They sought to show their religious devotion in an arrogant way and missed true spiritual growth. Another incorrect response is to avoid Jesus. Sadly, many people chose to reject and avoid the grace and truth that is found in Jesus. The Bible tells us that the correct response to Jesus’ arrival is to receive him and submit to his Lordship for our lives.
Jesus came to dwell among humanity to bring grace, truth, hope, and salvation.
His mission wasn’t condemnation but liberation.
His mission wasn’t rejection but salvation.
Jesus is pursuing you even when you aren’t pursuing him.
Jesus is looking for you even when you aren’t looking for him.
Live It:
- How have you responded to Jesus “moving into the neighborhood” by coming into the earth?
- Do you live to impress Jesus, avoid Jesus, or receive Jesus?
Christ Chronological: John 1:1-18, Mark 1:1, Luke 1:1-4
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Chase Snyder
Writer, Pastor
