The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NIV) John 1:14
John writes: “We have seen (“beheld” in the NAS) His glory.” Hendriksen and Kistemaker write that the word, beheld “indicates careful and deliberate vision which seeks to interpret its object. It refers, indeed, to physical sight; yet, it always includes a plus, the plus of calm scrutiny, contemplation, or even wonderment. It describes the act of one who does not stare absent-mindedly nor merely look quickly nor necessarily perceive comprehensively. On the contrary, this individual regards an object and reflects upon it. He scans it, examining it with care. He studies it, viewing and considering it thoughtfully (1:32; 4:35; 11:45; Acts 1:11).33 Thus, while Jesus was walking among them, the eye and mind of the evangelist and of other witnesses had rested on the Incarnate Word, until to some extent they had penetrated the mystery; i.e., they had seen his glory: the radiance of his grace and the majesty of his truth manifested in all his works and words (cf. 2:11), the attributes of deity shining through the veil of his human nature.(W. Hendriksen & S. J. Kistemaker)
When do you carefully, deliberately seek out Jesus? When was the last time that your scrutiny of Him resulted in wonderment and awe? When do you examine His Word to understand it and comprehend it? Does your mind and your sight settle on the Incarnate Word?
I’d encourage you to open one of the biographies of Jesus and read it as you’ve never read it before…with new eyes and wonderment of the reality of God becoming flesh…living and dying for you…desiring to be in an intimate relationship with you now.
