John 1:17

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

Context:The Gospel of John is a profound book that explores the divinity of Jesus Christ and his role in salvation. In the preceding verses, John the Baptist testifies about Jesus, describing him as the “Word” who was with God and who became flesh to dwell among us (John 1:1-14). John 1:17 follows this introduction and highlights a significant contrast between the law given by Moses and the grace and truth brought by Jesus Christ.

The Law given by Moses:In this verse, “the law” refers to the Mosaic Law, which includes the Ten Commandments and the various regulations and statutes found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The law was given to the Israelites through Moses as a means to guide their behaviour, establish a covenant with God, and reveal their sinfulness. However, the law alone could not provide salvation or righteousness, as it revealed the need for a Saviour.

Grace and Truth through Jesus Christ:John contrasts the law with “grace and truth” that came through Jesus Christ. This highlights the central theme of John’s Gospel: the gracious offer of salvation and the revelation of God’s truth through Jesus. Jesus is the embodiment of both grace and truth. He offers forgiveness, mercy, and unmerited favour (grace) to all who believe in him. Jesus also reveals the truth about God’s nature, the way of salvation, and the reality of eternal life.

The Fulfillment of the Law:Jesus, being both fully God and fully human, fulfilled the requirements of the law on behalf of humanity. He lived a sinless life and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” Jesus fulfilled the righteous demands of the law, which we, as fallen humans, could not achieve on our own.

The Shift from the Law to Grace:John’s statement emphasises the transition from the era of the law to the era of grace through Jesus Christ. The law, with its commandments and rituals, revealed the need for a Saviour, but it could not bring salvation itself. Jesus, through his life, death, and resurrection, fulfilled the law and established a new covenant based on grace, faith, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Application:

• John 1:17 reminds us of the significance of Jesus’ coming. It teaches us that salvation is not achieved by adhering to the law or relying on our own efforts, but by receiving God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It also emphasises the importance of understanding and embracing God’s truth, which Jesus fully revealed. As believers, we are called to live in the light of this truth, recognising that our righteousness and salvation come through Jesus alone.

In summary, John 1:17 highlights the contrast between the law given by Moses and the grace and truth brought by Jesus Christ. It reveals Jesus’ fulfilment of the law and the shift from the era of the law to the era of grace. This verse teaches us about the central role of Jesus in our salvation and reminds us of the importance of receiving God’s grace and living in the truth he has revealed.