Read John 1:16-18
16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. (NLT)
Discover
1. What have we received from God’s abundance?
2. How does Jesus build on or transform the law that Moses gave?
3. How is the relationship described between God and Jesus (or the “unique One”)?
Respond
As we close out this week, we see that Jesus came not just to live among us. He came to reveal the heart of God the Father. The Old Testament law highlighted God’s justice, including protective boundaries for His people. The coming of Jesus revealed God’s grace and love. Both represent God, but without Jesus, the picture isn’t complete.
We all have different views of God. Some might be shaped by our church background, family, or other influences. If we truly want to know God, we have to come back to Jesus. He is the full representation of God, fulfilling the law while showing us God’s true nature. Love, forgiveness, justice, mercy, grace, and truth all coexist in the person of Jesus Christ, who Himself is God revealed.
How have you typically viewed God in the past? How does Jesus change your view? Are there any snap judgments or misconceptions that have impacted the way you approach God? Release them to Him now. Thank Him for revealing Himself through Jesus, and commit to knowing His heart as you spend time with Him.
Want to go deeper? Read Colossians 1:15-22 for another look at how Jesus reveals who God is. Write down all the character traits of God that you see revealed in these verses. How does this change the way you approach Him?