Jesus is God (John 1:18)

For the first time in his introduction, the apostle gives us a name for the being who was the Word in human flesh. This person is Jesus. Early in this introduction we knew this was about Jesus, and so we have used His name, but the apostle waited until now. Moses gave the Jews the Law, but Jesus gave them grace and truth. Jesus is greater than Moses! This is awesome stuff. Jesus is truly unique!

No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. (NASB) John 1:18

No one has seen God. No one! No one - except Jesus! No one - except the only begotten God! Notice that John does not say that Jesus is the “only begotten from the Father.” This time he refers to Jesus as the, “only begotten God.” It is clear that John believed Jesus was and is God.

Therefore, it is obvious that Jesus knows God the Father. It is obvious that He would be full of grace and full of truth. It is obvious that He would be greater than any human being, including Moses. It is obvious that only Jesus could help us really know God. Only Jesus could “explain” Him, and He did. He did it again and again.

Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves." (NASB) John 14:8-11

We will see Him explain the Father throughout our study in the Life and Heart of Jesus. No one else can do this - only Jesus!

Conclusion. Jesus was not a force. He was not a concept in someone’s mind. Jesus was not a theory, an idea, a philosophy, a dream, a wish, a guess, an extraordinary human, or someone’s desire. Jesus was and is the Word which became flesh. He is the One who is greater than any human being.

He was and IS the Light that gives us truth and grace. He IS truth and grace. Therefore it should not be a surprise that God encourages us to be truthful and gracious too!

Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices . . . (NASB) Col. 3:9

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (NASB) Col. 4:6

He wants us to speak truth. He wants us to be gracious towards others. He wants our words to be carefully chosen so that they encourage others. These are things that please the Lord.

Jesus did this. He was gracious in His teaching and His mercy. His words were seasoned with grace. He was the One and Only. He is the One and Only God, and there is no one else like Him! He is the One and Only!