For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.
Colossians 2:9
The story of Jesus did not begin in the manger at Bethlehem. In fact the story of Jesus has no beginning, because in the beginning Jesus already was. John’s use of the Greek term Logos to refer to Jesus in verse 1 reminded his readers of the way God used His word to call creation into existence. It also reminded them of the way Wisdom, which existed “at the very beginning, when the world came to be,” is described as if it were a person in Proverbs 8:22–31.
But our reading today outdoes even these assertions by identifying Jesus as the God of creation. Before He was born in the manger, Jesus was the One through whom “all things were made” (v. 2). He was both “with God” and He “was God” (v. 1). It is clear who is in view in these verses: this is Jesus of Nazareth. He is the one who came to His own people and was rejected by them (v. 11). Yet Jesus was not rejected by all. Some received him by believing in His name. To these He “gave the right to become children of God” (v. 12).
John borrowed from his Jewish religious heritage to explain the mystery of Jesus becoming flesh. The Greek term that is translated “made his dwelling” in verse 14 can also be translated “spread a tent” or “tabernacle.” In the Old Testament, Israel’s God was said to “dwell” in the tabernacle, which was really a tent with two rooms or compartments (Lev. 15:31). God’s glory shown in the innermost room, known as the Most Holy Place or the Holy of Holies. John, however, beheld God’s full glory in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the One in whom “the fullness of Deity lives in bodily form” (Col. 2:9).
Apply the Word
Are you a child of God? Only those who have received Jesus Christ have a right to make such a claim. To receive Christ is to believe on His name. This means that you must accept as truth all that the Bible says about Him and place your faith in what He has done on your behalf. Call upon His name today and become a child of God.