The Word Made Flesh: God’s Extraordinary Plan Through Ordinary People

 

In the grand story of human history, there are moments that stand out as pivotal, transformative, and utterly divine. One such moment occurred when the eternal Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. This extraordinary event, foretold by prophets and longed for by generations, marks the high point of God’s redemptive story for humanity.

The concept of the “Word” or “Logos” in Greek, carries profound significance. It represents an unchanging, divine expression – God speaking His very existence into our world. Just as God spoke creation into being at the dawn of time, He spoke His Son into human history. This Word is not merely an abstract concept but a person – Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man.

The Gospel of John beautifully captures this truth: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:1-3) This passage echoes the creation account in Genesis, reminding us that Jesus was present and active in the very act of creation.

But why did God choose to enter our world in this way? The incarnation – God taking on human flesh – reveals God’s desire to connect with us intimately. He didn’t remain distant but became tangible, relatable, and accessible. As John 1:14 declares, “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.”

What’s particularly striking about God’s plan is how He chose to bring it about through ordinary people. Mary, a young woman from Nazareth, and Joseph, a humble carpenter, were entrusted with the care of the Son of God. Their story, recounted in Luke and Matthew’s gospels, showcases their extraordinary faith in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary with the news that she would bear the Messiah, her initial response was one of confusion and questioning. Yet, her ultimate reply demonstrates a heart fully surrendered to God’s will: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38) Similarly, Joseph, upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy, showed remarkable faith and obedience by following God’s instructions given to him in a dream.

These ordinary individuals remind us that God often works through the humble and unassuming. Their willingness to say “yes” to God’s extraordinary plan changed the course of history. It challenges us to consider how we might respond when God calls us to step out in faith, even when His plans seem incomprehensible or daunting.

The incarnation also reveals a profound truth about Jesus’ nature. While fully divine, He chose to enter our world as a vulnerable infant, grow up in a working-class family, and experience the full range of human emotions and temptations. The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

This reality brings immense comfort. When we struggle, when we face temptation, when we experience joy or sorrow, we can turn to Jesus knowing He truly understands. He’s not a distant deity but a compassionate Savior who has walked in our shoes.

However, it’s crucial to remember that while Jesus lived an ordinary human life in many ways, His purpose was extraordinary. He came to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). His life, death, and resurrection were all part of God’s big story to reconcile humanity to Himself.

Sadly, just as there was no room for Jesus in the inn at His birth, many people today find their lives too crowded to make room for Him. The busyness of modern life, the constant barrage of information, and the pursuit of worldly success can easily push Jesus to the margins of our existence. John 1:10-11 states, “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”

This sobering reality calls for self-reflection. Have we allowed Jesus to be crowded out of our lives? Is He merely a small part of our existence, or is He at the center of everything we do? The invitation of Christ is not to complicate our lives but to simplify them by making Him our primary focus and filter through which we view all of life.

The good news is that it’s never too late to make room for Jesus. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people who turned or returned to God at various stages of life – Abraham in his old age, Moses after years in exile, Saul (later Paul) on the road to Damascus, and Peter after denying Christ. God’s grace is always available, always reaching out.

Revelation 3:20 offers a beautiful picture of Christ’s desire for relationship with us: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” This invitation is personal and present tense – Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts today.

As we contemplate the wonder of the incarnation – God becoming man – let us be inspired by the faith of Mary and Joseph. Let us be challenged to make room for Jesus in every aspect of our lives. And let us be comforted knowing that the One who created the universe understands our struggles and offers us grace.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This historical fact changes everything! It offers hope to the hopeless, purpose to the lost, and a relationship with God to all who believe. As we go about our daily lives, may we live as ambassadors of this extraordinary truth, allowing the light of Christ to shine through us into a world desperately in need of His love.

(image credit:Bible.com)