«And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father. [. . .] And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace» (John 1 :14, 16).
“GRACE FOR GRACE.» What did the apostle John mean when, in reference to Christ’s fullness, he added the expression grace for grace?
To understand the expression, we must first consider the meaning of a word the apostle uses in that same verse. It is the word pleroma, which in Greeks basically means «fullness.» It is the same word the apostle Paul uses in several of his writings, for example in Colossians 2, when in reference to Christ, he says, «For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself” (Colossians 1:19, 20).
What, then, does that «fullness» that dwells in Christ consist of? The fullness of God; everything God is, in other words Christ. Using the words of a scholar, William Barclay, in Jesus dwells «the entirety of God’s wisdom, power and love;» that is, all the attributes of the Deity.
The apostle John writes that «we have all received» the fullness of Christ. How did we receive that «fullness?» John says that we receive it «grace for grace.» According to A. T. Robertson, the idea literally means «grace taking the place of grace,» as if it was an exchange; «like fresh manna every morning; [we receive] new grace for a new day.»
«Like manna.» That is how we receive His grace! In Christ, heavens abundant resources are made available to us—God’s wisdom, power, and love—in the same way the children of Israel received manna every morning during their pilgrimage through the desert. That is, abundant spiritual food of the best quality, without fail.
The meaning of this in practical terms is that there is enough manna for today! And also for tomorrow! Because of Christ, heavens abundant resources are available to us, since we all receive of His fullness, «grace for grace.»
Dear friend, in order to face today’s challenges, and tomorrow’s challenges (when they come), God tells you: «My grace is sufficient for you» (2 Corinthians 12:9). Isn’t that wonderful?
I praise Your name, Father, because in Christ I find «mercy and […] grace to help in time of need,» not only for today, but also for tomorrow and every day of life you grant me!
#AdultsDevotional
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
