The Word Became Flesh: Come and See
John 1 through 7
By Will Bourne · Bourne Again Media LLC
John 1–7 · 1–7
The journey of this volume
What changes when we begin with the One through whom life itself came to be? John’s first movement invites readers toward the Word made flesh, the witness who points beyond himself, and encounters that reveal Jesus’ grace and truth. Begin with chapter 1, where receiving the Son becomes a doorway into belonging and an invitation to come and see. This journey honors ordinary life while placing Christ at its center.
How might receiving Christ reorder the center of my attention?
What you’ll explore
- The eternal Word and created life
- Grace and truth in the flesh
- Belonging received from God
- Witness that points toward Jesus
Nearness expressed through embodied love
Begin with John 1 in your Bible. Read John 1 from its opening testimony about the Word through the first invitations to follow. Notice life, light, witness, receiving, and the names given to Jesus.
The following reading summarizes Chapter 1, “The Word the Witness and the Lamb of God,” with a selected excerpt from the manuscript.
John begins before every human beginning, naming the Word through whom creation came to be. Life and light in Him establish the Gospel’s center before readers turn toward their needs or questions.
John the witness is distinguished from the light. Will follows a testimony that speaks truthfully, names Jesus, and refuses to make the messenger indispensable. Recognition and belonging are received from God rather than manufactured by status or determination.
The Word becomes flesh, bringing grace and truth near together. The commentary gives weight to bodies, work, meals, relationships, and the use of resources. Holiness becomes honest, responsible love within ordinary life.
Nearness expressed through embodied love
The incarnation reveals the humility of divine love. God does not save by despising humanity. The Son comes near. This nearness gives Christian formation its shape. Spiritual maturity cannot mean becoming less human, less truthful about the body, or less responsible toward neighbors. To follow the Word made flesh is to learn a holiness expressed in embodied love.
Will Bourne · From Commentary 1, “The Word the Witness and the Lamb of God,” in The Word Became Flesh: Come and See
Following Christ through this movement
Jesus is the eternal Word who enters genuine human life. His glory reveals grace that does not protect illusion and truth that does not treat people as disposable.
Receiving Him begins Christian formation in gift. Obedience grows from belonging, and witness directs people toward the Son rather than a human personality or private claim to authority.
Continue in Scripture
Genesis 1:1–5 · Colossians 1:15–20 · 1 John 1:1–4
Read these passages alongside the selected manuscript chapter. Keep each literary and historical setting in view while following the biblical witness toward Christ and faithful practice today.
A question to carry
Where do I want Christ’s guidance while keeping part of my life outside His light? What would honest reception look like today?
Stay with one person or situation that comes to mind. Notice what this passage brings into view before deciding how to respond.
Back to section choices ↑One faithful step
Stay with a sentence from John 1 in prayer. Name one ordinary responsibility that deserves embodied care, then take a small truthful step within it. Give credit honestly and let your witness direct attention toward Christ.
Back to section choices ↑A prayer for the journey
Jesus, eternal Word made flesh, help us receive Your grace and truth. Bring light to what we hide and life to the responsibilities before us. Holy Spirit, form honest witness and embodied love that points beyond ourselves. Amen.
Back to section choices ↑The formation emphasis in this volume
Will’s commentary places the Word at the center before asking what faith can add to our plans. Created life matters because its source comes near in the flesh.
The formation emphasis holds grace, truth, belonging, and witness together. Christ’s nearness calls for embodied care, truthful speech, and a humility that allows the messenger to point beyond himself.
Editorial summary of Will Bourne’s manuscript.
Back to section choices ↑