John 1:16

From His abundance we all benefit and are blessed by the gift of His grace, in double measure no less.  John 1:16 EFP

What began in verse 14 from the lips of John, the beloved now comes full circle through the inspired words of John, the Baptist.  John, the author of this Gospel is building a case for the full divinity of Jesus and he draws from the words of Jesus’ cousin to nail down the uniqueness of this particular Word of God.

I like the words he chooses to begin this statement—“we all benefit”.  That includes me and you and every member of the human race.  Grace is given to all, no exceptions.  Since it is not deserved or earned, we all qualify for this gift from heaven wrapped in human flesh.  In verse 14 John, the Revelator describes the Word as “full of truth and grace.”  Now in verse 16, John, the Baptist describes the Word as “grace upon grace”, or “in double measure” as translated in this personal free paraphrase.  Grace becomes the primary vehicle for revealing God.  That’s awesome!

I do not to be the brightest or the most brilliant to understand God.  In the eons before the Word, God revealed himself through truths, commands, laws, and ceremony.  It was important for these truths to be passed on to ensure God would be known.  But now with arrival of the living Word of God, it is grace that becomes the manner and means through which God reveals His character.  God is grace. The Word, yet to be revealed by name, is come to live with sinful and sullied humanity.  Grace has been delivered in an incarnated God!  I should never doubt what God’s intentions are toward me—I am a direct recipient and beneficiary of heavenly Grace!