Week 31: The Word Made Flesh: Jesus as the Second Adam
How the Incarnation Reclaims and Restores Humanity's Lost Inheritance
Theme:
The prologue of John’s Gospel reveals the staggering truth that the eternal Word, who was with God and was God, became flesh and dwelt among us. This moment is more than a divine visitation—it is the cosmic reversal of Adam’s fall. Through the incarnation, the Creator enters His creation not merely to visit, but to reclaim, restore, and dwell.
Objectives:
Understand the significance of Jesus as the eternal Word who became flesh to dwell among us.
Reflect on how Jesus’ incarnation restores humanity’s relationship with God, lost through Adam’s rebellion.
Explore the theological depth of Jesus as the light and life of humanity.
Scripture Focus:
Introduction:
John’s Gospel begins not with a manger or a genealogy, but with eternity. It reaches back before time itself, declaring that “In the beginning was the Word.” This Word, the agent of creation, is not an abstract force but a Person—Jesus. As we unpack this passage, we find the revelation of Jesus as the new beginning for humanity, the light shining in the chaos of fallen creation.
The Word's Eternal Nature [ John 1:1–5 ]
Jesus is introduced as the pre-existent Word, present with God and Himself God. This draws a direct connection to Genesis 1, affirming that the same divine Word who spoke creation into existence is the One now stepping into it. In Him is life—the divine spark that animates all living things—and this life is the light of men. Even in humanity's rebellion and darkness, this light shines undiminished, irrepressible.
The Word Became Flesh [ John 1:14 ]
The incarnation is not a downgrade or disguise. It is the collision of heaven and earth. God takes on flesh to dwell [ literally "tabernacle" ] among us. This evokes the presence of God dwelling with Israel in the tabernacle and temple, now fulfilled in the person of Jesus. Grace and truth are no longer abstract concepts but embodied realities. In Jesus, we behold the perfect expression of God's character.
Jesus as the True Light [ John 1:6–13 ]
John the Baptist's mission was to bear witness to the light, not to be the light. This underscores the critical truth: not all who encounter Jesus receive Him. Yet to those who do, He gives the right to become children of God—born not of bloodline or human effort, but of God. Jesus restores what Adam forfeited: divine sonship and access to the Father.
The Fullness of Grace [ John 1:15–18 ]
The Law was given through Moses, pointing to righteousness but not imparting it. Jesus comes bringing grace upon grace—an unending supply of divine favor. He does not simply teach about God; He reveals Him. The invisible God is made known through the Son, who is in the closest relationship with the Father.
Exploring Key Themes:
Jesus Is the Eternal Word: The incarnation is not a beginning for Christ, but a continuation of His eternal nature. He has always existed as the Word, the perfect self-expression of God.
Reversing Adam’s Curse: Where Adam brought separation, Jesus brings restoration. In Christ, humanity is invited back into intimacy with God, into the light and life that were lost.
Adoption into God’s Family: Receiving Jesus makes us more than forgiven—we are born of God. This birth transforms identity, destiny, and access to the Father.
The Embodiment of Grace and Truth: Jesus doesn’t merely talk about grace; He is grace. Truth is not an abstract law but a person who embodies divine reality.
Revelation of the Father: No one has seen God at any time, but Jesus makes Him known—not in concept, but in communion, compassion, and clarity.
Reflection and Response:
What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is both fully God and fully human?
How has the light of Christ overcome darkness in your own life?
In what ways are you living as a child of God, born not of the flesh but of the Spirit?
How does beholding Jesus help you better understand who the Father is?
Key Takeaways:
Jesus, as the Word, existed before creation and was active in it.
The incarnation is God’s ultimate act of restoration, reestablishing the divine-human relationship.
Those who receive Christ become children of God and step into a new identity.
Conclusion: In John 1, we encounter the mystery and majesty of the incarnation. The eternal Word steps into history not merely to inform but to transform. The light has come into the darkness—not as a flicker, but as an unquenchable flame. Jesus, the second Adam, fulfills what the first Adam failed to do—He brings life, reveals the Father, and makes sons and daughters out of rebels. The invitation is to behold Him, receive Him, and be reborn through Him.