1. Why The Incarnation Matters

Me:

It’s great to have you joining us today, both in person and online. Welcome to the start of a brand new sermon series entitled, The Gospel According to John. For the next five Sundays we are going to explore five core verses that the apostle John uses to describe Jesus to us.

If you are new with us, this series is a part of a larger spiritual growth campaign we started back in September called Core52. The goal has been to focus in on 52 core verses that tie the Bible together and point us to Jesus. This week we will cover core verse 32…only 20 more to go! Don’t miss out on this journey, we are going to be covering some pretty intense and helpful topics and verses you will not want to miss out on.

You:

Where did you come from? I’m not talking about the “bird and the bees”. I’m talking about us. Actually, I’m talking about everything we see. Where did the universe come from? There are a couple of growing theories among folks who don’t believe in a Creator God. I’ve mentioned this one before, but I’m going to mention it again because I find it fascinating and it continues to grow in popularity. It’s called the Simulation Theory. The theory is that everything we see is actually some type of computer simulation. With the huge leaps of AI and VR technology, this theory is really gaining momentum. The other one has to do with alien life or civilizations. There is a superior alien species which started the evolutionary process here on earth and are running the show remotely. With the increase in UFO’s sightings and such…there is continued speculation.

So why am I talking about these theories? Both of the theories are becoming more prominent because one thing that science continues to discover is that the universe, our world, and even humans are far too complex to just be some random accident. It’s called the fine tuning of the everything in the universe is just to complex and too perfect to be random. So the quest is to figure out who or what is the brains behind this amazing universe.

Why does this matter? It matters because if you believe that you’re an accident, well you’re going to act like an accident. However, if you believe that you were designed with a purpose and meaning…well you are going to seek out and strive to live out that meaning, design and purpose.

So who or what is the brains behind this universe and how does that give our lives meaning? This was what the apostle John tackles as he begins to write his account of Jesus. Let’s check it out…I think you are going to find this to very very helpful.

God:

If you have a Bible or device, find John chapter 1. If you are using the YouVersion Bible app, look for Events. Under Events you should be able to find Iowa City Church. All the Scriptures and sermon notes will be right on your device.

As I just mentioned, the author of this book is....John. One of Jesus disciples and closest friends. John writes this account of Jesus much later then the other three, and he has his own, unique way of revealing Jesus to his readers. Here’s is what I want you to try and do. Try and forget everything you know about the gospel of John or imagine you don’t know anything about Jesus and you are picking up this book as your first introduction to Jesus. Listen to how he opens his book:

John 1:1–4 NIV

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. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

John uses a fascinating word to describe the “brains” behind the universe. The word “Word” is more then just writing syllables and vowels on a piece of paper. It’s more then just forming a coherent sound with your mouth. This word goes all the way to the thinking, the design and the execution of the the design. You see this in Genesis creation account were all of creation takes place with these words: And God said.

For example, I’m currently speaking words to you. However, all week I thought, prayed and crafted the words and their structure. Currently in my brain I’m framing and re framing words and sentences and then articulating those thoughts. What you are receiving is actually a very intricate process. To the Gentiles and the Jews of John’s day, this word “Word” would have greatly resonated with them about who John was referring to. The Word is the source, the brain, the creative genius who not only created, but controls the creation.

So what is John’s point? This “Word” was with God and was in fact God as well…from the beginning. And the universe has the Word’s fingerprints all over it. Our origin isn’t from a simulation or planted from an alien civilization. It’s the Word, with God, is God. Take it one step further, this Word is light to all mankind. Light represents truth because it reveals what is hidden. Light give understands, meaning and purpose…however, there’s a problem. Look at verse 5.

John 1:5 NIV

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There is a problem in the world that the Word has created. There is darkness. This isn’t referring to the time when the sun is overhead or the planet has rotated away. This isn’t about day and night. Darkness is in opposition to the light. Light is truth. Darkness is lies, deceit, rebellion against the light. The term we use is sin, evil, or rebellion against God’s order or design. Simply put, there is a problem in this world that the Word has created. So what is the solution? Because of time, lets jump down to verse 14. This is our core verse for the week.

John 1:14 NIV

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.

So to fix the problem of darkness in the world that the Word has created, the Word decided to put on flesh…become human and dwell among people. That’s the incarnation. God becoming human. God in flesh. For you folks familiar with the OT, the word dwell literally means tabernacle. John then says that he and the other apostles are eyewitnesses to the Word in flesh…and that the Word became flesh, and this fleshly human is the Son of God. Now if you notice, John goes 17 verses into his book about Jesus before he specifically mentions the name Jesus. But what he is trying to do is unite his wide spectrum of readers together. He starts with the origin of the universe, the one who created it. Then he addresses the problem. Then he says that the creator become like his creation to fix the problem. That Creator, the Word is Jesus.

Now, the implication here is massive you understand. The Creator of the Universe becoming human? To quote The Genie from Aladdin, “Phenomenal cosmic powers, itty bitty living space.” It is hard to get your mind around this concept…and believe me this is a difficult hurdle for people, listen even Jesus’ own disciples didn’t believe it initially. But the incarnation, God becoming Jesus is a foundational part of the Christian faith. So, why can we believe that it’s true? Let me give you a short list:

All of the authors of the NT believed this to be true.

It was prophesied in the OT.

Jesus performed miracles.

Jesus taught with authority unlike anyone else.

Jesus had supernatural knowledge.

Jesus was sinless.

Jesus claimed to be one with the God the Father.

Jesus accepted worship.

The evidence backs up the claim. It is very reasonable to believe that Jesus is God. We could even turn around and writes volumes of books on the implications of this truth. However, I think this truth stands out: God knows us. Because Jesus became human, God doesn’t just have information about us…he knows us. In your deepest hurts or frustrations you can never shake your fist at God and say: Don’t you understand what I’m going through? Because he does…and that is a good thing. He knows, he understands, and he cares.

But lets flip this around. God know us because of the incarnation. However, look at what John writes about our knowledge of God.

John 1:18 NIV

No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

John says that anyone who has experienced Jesus, has experienced the Father. Jesus on the night he was arrested was asked by Philip, “Show us the Father.” Jesus told him, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father.” Because of the incarnation, we have through Jesus a window to God. In other words, we can know about God through Jesus.

Here are three big truths we can know about God through Jesus:

God Is Near - God isn’t some disengage deity in a far away universe who doesn’t care or who isn’t involved in our lives. Because of Jesus we know God cares, and he is near…and he is personally available to every individual.

God is Love - We are going to take a deep dive into this next Sunday. Our core verse is going to be John 3:16. However, let me simply say this: Love is not an emotion. If it was, God would not have chosen to engage a world that rebelled against him. Instead, his love drove him to sacrifice on our behalf…and even more specifically to love his enemies so that we could be adopted by into the family of God.

God Suffered - You’re not going to find this in any other religion or faith system. The god or deity suffering for their people to restore them. Through Jesus we understand this remarkable truth: God is willing to suffer for us. God is willing to take on pain and punishment on our behalf, and specifically from us to make atonement.

So there you have it: three truths about our God that are possible only because of the incarnation of Jesus. We could summarize it this way:

The incarnation reveals that God will do whatever it takes to have a relationship with us.

You:

So how does the incarnation give our lives meaning? The incarnation isn’t just what happened in the life of Jesus. It’s a model of how to live as God intended. If you want the best possible life, live incarnationally.

Make Yourself Available - In other words, be present. Jesus physically came near. We need to physically be present, and engaged if we are to represent God. So that means we need to be present and engage with our spouses. Parents you need to slow down and be present and engaged with your kids. We need to be present and engaged with our neighbors and our friends. It also means that we have to be willing to step out of our comfort zones and be available and present with those in our community. I heard this week about someone in our church who recently just got in the car and drove around our community with the singular mission of helping or serving them. That’s incarnational living. That’s a life lived with meaning.

Love sacrificially - We are to love more then just our friends and those like us. Jesus’ life purpose was to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. He did it for us, and also gave it to us as a model to follow. In practical terms that means listening more than talking, tithing rather than hoarding, volunteering rather than self-indulging, bragging about others rather than self-promoting. Oddly enough, according to Jesus, to sacrifice in this manner actually turns into gain. Sacrificial living is living incarnationally…and it’s a life lived with meaning.

Suffering Has Purpose - We avoid suffering at all costs, and that’s understandable. Pain is not fun. However, our greatest growth comes from our suffering, not from our success. It’s the pain, loss, and inconvenience we endure that build the character we crave. The person we want to become is worth the sacrifice it takes to get there. So denying ourselves, or serving others even though it’s difficult. Facing opposition when we try to love our enemies…this will be the suffering of living incarnationally…however, it changes our lives forever…and gives our lives meaning.

We:

Mary Daniel hadn't seen her husband for 114 days due to coronavirus restrictions at the senior care facility where he lives. Her husband, Steve, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years ago and moved into a care facility in Jacksonville, Florida.

She said she had been visiting her husband every night and would get him ready for bed. But when the coronavirus pandemic hit, health facilities restricted visitors as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to vulnerable patients. The facility closed to visitors on March 11—the last time she saw Steve as a visitor.

Mary was worried about her husband spending so much time alone and said she was “desperate” to find another way to stay connected. She said, “We have separated these folks to save them, but … the isolation will absolutely kill them. Especially dementia patients, they need interaction. They need to be touched … so that they can grow instead of just really wither away.”

Mary said, “Out of the blue, two weeks ago, the corporate office of his memory care center called me and said, 'We've got a part-time job available; would you like to take it?’” She was willing to do any job they offered for the chance to get inside, and what they ended up giving her was a dish washing position.

The job is allowing Mary to see her husband regularly, and she's grateful or it. “It is worth it to be able to visit him, and I can already just tell the difference in his demeanor after three visits. I get to go again tonight ... it has made the world of difference for me.” She said her husband now feels love—something he missed out on when they were separated. “I'm so grateful ... I am so lucky and fortunate. I want to be with him every day.”