The Word, Jesus, became flesh (John 1:14)

It identified the Messiah as the “Root of Jesse,” the “Branch of David,” and declared that He would be pierced and wounded. These are references to Psalms 22:16 and Jeremiah 23:5 which predicted the coming of the Messiah. But the most amazing statement was that the Messiah was a “leader of the community” and was “put to death.” This is a clear reference to Jesus Christ and what He taught.

Word Became Flesh. In our study of the gospel of John, we have been told that the Word was in the beginning, was with God, and was God. That is, God was the Word. We have been told that the Word was Light, but the Light was rejected by the world. We have already been told that the Light was “coming into the world” (John 1:9), “was in the world” (John 1:10), and had “come to His own” (John 1:11).

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NASB) John 1:14

The Word, or the Light, became a human being. He clothed Himself with human flesh. This divine being put on human flesh like a garment. The Word changed His appearance. He changed Himself and took on human flesh and lived among us. He was God in human flesh.

How was He recognized? How can anyone recognize such a being? The apostle answers the question with this comment, “we saw His glory!” Now we should ask, “In what way did the world see His glory?” The answer is found in that He was “full of grace and truth.” The world saw Him do miracle after miracle, and perform incredible wonders. His teachings were astonishing, and the people said that no one spoke as He did. That was His glory - His character, His grace, His deeds. His glory was seen by those who watched Him, who touched Him, and who spoke with Him! There was no one else like Him.