Manchaca UMC

Week 1 "God With Us" John 1:14
John says that “ The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us.” Scholars tell us that this is a word picture in Greek of someone “pitching their tent.” The Old Testament word for tent is Tabernacle. So John says that Jesus came and tabernacled among us. Perhaps you have seen Jewish neighbors put up a tent to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). It reminds them and us of God’s presence with the people as God’s tent went everywhere the people went after the Exodus. Not only does the tent represent God’s presence it also represents impermanence. Think of the tent cities in which refugees often have to live compared the homes in which we live in. So this reminds us of the great sacrifice Jesus made in leaving heaven to be with us. I don’t know what accommodations the Lord of life enjoyed in heaven, but surely they were far superior to the tent like existence that he had on earth. We see that God gives up heaven and comes to earth so that God can bring heaven to earth and bring us to heaven. Finally, the tent in the desert of the biblical world is usually left open on one side during the day to welcome strangers who may wander by in need of assistance. Jesus coming to earth is a supreme example of hospitality, which involves making a place for others. Jesus came to earth to make a place for us. Therefore, we seek to follow his example and make a place for others!

~David

Questions to Consider:
1. What is the biggest sacrifice in accommodations which you have ever made?
2. What are the biggest sacrifices Jesus makes in leaving heaven for earth?