Thursday 28th December
Read John 1:15-18
“(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” (NIVUK)
‘Grace in place of grace’ (v16). We often don’t think about the old covenant laws in that way. For that is what John is referring to as ‘grace’ here, as is clear in the following verse (v17). They seem like a series of rules that prohibit behaviour and, in many instances, seem rather random! Yet they are an expression of God’s grace towards His people. Admittedly they are a partial expression of that grace – the fullness of which is revealed in Jesus. Yet they are actually gracious in intent. Even the random ones.
Although we are supposed to read these words and reflect on the fullness of the grace revealed in, and by, Jesus on the cross it is helpful to reflect on the grace revealed in the law. A grace that seeks to cover our sin.
