JOHN 1:14-17 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

THEME OF THE DAY. THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS BEYOND SALVATION. Stop right now. Pause. Think on one thing. Christmas. No, not lights, gifts, and a festive season. Immanuel – God with us. God became the Godman. Christ took on humanity. God walked among us in history and someday soon throughout eternity. Now think on the Godman and what John says of Him in today’s scripture – “full of grace and truth.” One more truth to think on concerning the Lord Jesus as the Godman. Out of His fullness, we have received grace upon grace upon grace. And that receiving of grace continues today and will continue when time is no more.

When it comes to receiving grace from the Lord Jesus in this life, nothing is of greater importance than the grace that leads to salvation. The Apostle Paul proclaims, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet, His grace extends far beyond Him being our Savior. Sadly, many Christians fail to go beyond seeing and experiencing Jesus as Savior. In failing to do so, they short-change themselves of the increased joy God has provided in Christ for His people beyond salvation. If that describes us, let’s strive to go beyond Jesus as Savior so that we might enjoy the abundant life He came to give. He was given to believers to fulfill the roles of King, Prophet, and Priest.

First, the grace of God the Father has given Christ to us to be our reigning King. We readily confess Jesus is Lord and King of Kings, but this profession is to be applied in our day-to-day lives in this world. What does a king do for his subjects? He provides for them, protects them, and leads them. When a people are ruled by a good king, they prosper. Now think about King Jesus and being His royal subjects. What security, peace, and joy come to us when we realize the absolute King of the universe is our personal King who has given Himself over to rule us in love and power.

Next, the grace of God the Father has given Christ to be our teaching Prophet. What is the function of a prophet? To herald the message from God; to teach the people of God about Him. And the greatest Prophet/Teacher ever to walk upon this earth proclaims, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus, our Divine Teacher. Are we learning from Him? Is the grace of God in making Jesus our teaching Prophet an experience we are having in His Word? Savior He is but also our sanctifying Prophet/Teacher.

A third role of Christ to believers because of the giving grace of God the Father is that of High Priest (Hebrews 2:12). And what are the functions of a priest? There are many but a primary one is interceding to God for the people. Now think on Jesus as our High Priest before God and interceding for us. God prays for us. Jesus, the Godman, constantly prays for us. One of the greatest displays of love is praying for someone. And what a display of love from God that He would pray for us. Do we realize this? Is this truth deepening our joy in the Lord? Meditate on your High Priest. Joy will overflow.

Jesus a glorious Savior of His people, but He is also so much more. Seek to know Him in His roles as King, Prophet, and Priest. It will take us into the fullness of the Christian life.

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for the gift of Your Son and how precious He has become to me.”

QUOTE: “Don’t be satisfied with just knowing Jesus as your Savior. Adore Him as your King, Prophet, and Priest.”