John 1:14-18 S.O.A.P.
Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts
S – What verse stands out to me today?
O – What is God revealing about Jesus?
A – How should this change my life today?
P – What is my prayer in response?
Scripture
John 1:14-18 (LEB) “14 And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testified about him and cried out, saying, “This one was he about whom I said, ‘The one who comes after me is ahead of me, because he existed before me.’ ” 16 For from his fullness we have all received, and grace after grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; the one and only, God, the one who is in the bosom of the Father—that one has made him* known.”
Observation
• I notice the “Word” has now become “flesh” and dwelled (“took up residence”) among us. As Eugene Peterson translates this in the Message Bible, “moved into the neighborhood.”
• I notice the introduction of the term “flesh.” The incarnation is on full display as well. Jesus, the Word, who was with God in the beginning, is now taking on flesh.
• I notice a few repeating terms: glory (2x), grace (4x), truth (2x), and one (4x).
• The phrase “grace and truth” is repeated. I notice the repeating but also the pairing of these two important ideas that come to us “through Jesus Christ.”
• We see the word testify or in this case the past tense “testified” referring to the ministry of John the Baptist.
• Finally, I notice the exclusive claim about Jesus being the “one.” The one “and only” from God sent to humanity. He is different than Moses, who brought us the Law. Jesus is the one who brings grace and truth together.
Application
• The fact that God (Jesus, the Word) dwelled means He now dwells in me through the Holy Spirit. He takes up residence in me. Come, Holy Spirit!
• I receive your grace and truth today in my life. Allow me opportunities today to testify to the grace and truth I have received. I will address everyone I meet today with the grace and truth of Jesus.
• You, Jesus, are my one and only. I will not allow anything or anyone to usurp that position in my life.
Prayer
Dear Lord, the Word of Life, please help me to live with grace and truth towards myself and others. I tend to be more truth in my interactions. Help me to live with the right amount of grace as well. I want to be like Jesus. I place you on the throne of my heart this morning. Please, take your rightful position in my life. You are the one and only! Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, dwell in me. Come, Holy Spirit, and take up residence in me today, so that I may share the good news about Jesus. Amen!
Have questions about today’s S.O.A.P. study? Comment below!
