Among us

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only-begotten Son from the Father.
– John 1:14


Jesus is the Word. He came from the Father to save us from our sins. The Greek word translated as “dwelt” actually means to tabernacle.
σκηνόω is the Greek word used here and only appears this single time in the New Testament. The tabernacle was the structure Yahweh instructed Moses to build (Exodus 25-40). It was to be the temporary and portable House of God. One of the purposes of the tabernacle was for the priests and High Priests to make sacrifices to Yahweh on behalf of His people, Israel. The tabernacle encapsulated the Holy of Holies – which was where the ark of the covenant was kept. Within the ark, we are told in Hebrews 9:3-4, are jars with manna, Aaron’s staff, and the 10 Commandments.
When we feel spiritually starved, Jesus offers Himself as the true manna(John 6:31-35). When we feel powerless, He becomes our miracle(2 Corinthians 12:9–10). When we feel condemned by the law, He fulfills it on our behalf(Matthew 5:17).
Jesus taking on the form of man and tabernacle among us was the only way for us to be reconciled to Yahweh. Isaiah 48:17 states Yahweh is our Go’el(Redeemer), the Qedosh Yisrael(Holy One of Israel). And through Jesus, and the Ruach (spirit) He will lead us and tabernacle in our heart.

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