The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:1 – 3)
Context
In the New Testament, the word for glory that corresponds to the Hebrew word kabod that we looked at yesterday is the Greek word doxa. Like kabod, doxa has a wide range of meanings. In addition to the passages above, here are a few examples where doxa is used:
- The announcement of the birth of Jesus – Luke 2:13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
- The transfiguration of Jesus – Luke 9: 28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.
- Jesus praying in Gethsemane – John 17: 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
As we consider God’s glory over the next few weeks we will see that Jesus is at the center of it all. Please read the passages of scripture from John 1:14 and Hebrews 1:1 – 3 and answer the question below.
Question
What connections do you see between the description of Jesus in the passages above and the story of Moses we considered over the last two days?
March 8, 2019 at 8:21 am
In the Exodus passage, God made a number of promises of what He “will do” for Moses and His people. Promises of mercy, compassion, guidance and protection. Jesus is the manifestation of God’s promises.
March 8, 2019 at 9:46 am
The promises that God made in Exodus became tangible in this passage. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. God still communicates with his people as he did with Moses, and his Glory and radiance are evident and manifested through His Son Jesus Christ.
March 8, 2019 at 10:43 am
Both talk about Gods glory which I would guess are his grace and promises.
March 8, 2019 at 10:11 pm
In and through Jesus we gain full access to the revelation of God’s glory that we can handle. He is the radiance of God’s glory, and he is also the protective “cleft” in the rock. He is God with us.
The words of an old song come to mind.
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full, in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace”
March 8, 2019 at 10:57 pm
The connection seems to start in Genesis in the Garden. Adam and Eve walked with God. They didn’t get to see Him but His presence was evident. Sin separated the full evidence of God from His creation. His presence must have been strong because they didn’t need to see Him to know He was there.
Moses may not have asked to see God if the relationship hadn’t been broken. Because of Moses’ desire for a deeper experience with God, He fulfilled it in a way that won’t destroy Moses because of his unholiness. Jesus is God in the flesh. God’s glory in a form that can meet us in our sinful state. Bridging the gap in the broken relationship. The Holy Spirit is now with us, helping to advance our understanding of God’s glory as it will be in heaven. Bringing us full circle to the communion we had with God as He intended.
March 9, 2019 at 12:38 pm
As in Genesis 1:3, God spoke things into existence. According to the book of Genesis, God manifested his promises, glory, and favor upon the earth. Thus, Continue to seek God’s face and listen for God’ still voice. Pray. Claim the victory. Recall, We walk by faith and not by seight (2 Corinthians 5:7). God is able. Blessings