Life Manifested

View daily reading plan: 1 John 1.1-3

The Gnostics had denied that there was any bodily substance to that manifestation and so  John stresses the reality of the Lord’s manhood. He was audible, and only John records that he had heard Him speak of “my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (Jn 6.51). He had come “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Rom 8.3). He was visible to the extent of being closely scrutinised: “we beheld his glory” (Jn 1.14). But He was also tangible.

Peter’s mother-in-law, Jairus’s daughter, a leper, a man born blind, children whom He blessed; these and many others could have testified that the One who had dwelt in light unapproachable had now come so close that they experienced physical contact with Him. What condescending grace! But doubtless the “we” in the verses refers specifically to the apostles with their constant exposure to the reality of His true manhood.

John knew that He was no phantom; the Lord had passed bread and fish from His hand to John’s. He had taken John’s feet into His hands to wash them. On that same evening, John had leaned on His breast. He was a real man, audible, visible, tangible. The Life had been manifested.

Thursday, 25 April, 2024