Jesus is with us! He is God with us – Emmanuel.
There is so much in this verse, we’re going to continue for another day (or two). Yesterday we look at the first part – “The word become flesh.”
The next part says: “…and dwelt among us.” This means more than Jesus came to earth and lived among us (although He did); the word “dwelt” means “to tabernacle.” The “tabernacle” was the tent in the wilderness where the ark of the covenant was, where the sacrifices were made and where God met with his people. It was replaced by the temple and people had to go to the temple to worship God and, even then, they couldn’t go right into the presence of God; only the priest could, and only once a year.
But now Jesus, God made flesh, has replaced all that. John carries on this theme in the gospel. John 2:19: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 4:21,23: “The hour is coming when neither on this mountain or in Jerusalem will you worship the Father… the true worshippers will worship in spirit and truth.”
Jesus replaces the temple. He is God with His people. It is no longer about a place but a person.
We don’t come to God now by going to a building and going through priests and sacrifices and curtains; He has come to us in Jesus – we meet with God right where we are in the name of Jesus. And, although Jesus has ascended to heaven, He has sent His Holy Spirit, who dwells within His people. So, He is still with us. We still meet with God anywhere, through Jesus.
In these difficult pandemic days, where church is so different, none of us are stopped from meeting with God. Jesus has come. God has made His dwelling with His people – and with you if you are a Christian. Worship Him and talk to Him today.
The best is yet to come 