
by Stephen Lewin
SEEING THE GRACE OF GOD REVEALED IN JESUS
John saw the grace of God in Jesus as he followed Him as His disciple. He writes in the Gospel of John, that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 ESV) John was impacted by seeing Jesus demonstrate the grace of God by showing kindness to people, in many ways. For example, forgiving the sin of the woman caught in adultery. According to custom of that time she deserved to die, but Jesus showed grace and forgave her sin. (John 8:1-11 ESV)
The word grace in the Greek text, is the word Charis1. The meaning of this word includes the kind action of Christ for sinful people. In that God “favours upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offences” and procures “eternal salvation through Christ”2.
SEEING THE GRACE OF GOD AT ANTIOCH
In the book of Acts (chapter 11:19-23 AMPC), it is written that Barnabas was sent by the church in Jerusalem, because the Good News about Jesus Christ (the Gospel) had been proclaimed to Greeks (as well as the Jews) by men from Cyrene and Cyprus. This resulted in the “presence of the Lord” (Acts 11:21 AMPC) coming in power and many of these people turning to the Lord and surrendering their lives to Him. These salvations cause the Scripture to state that “when he (Barnabas) came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose” (Acts 11 :23 ESV) Antioch was a place of pagan practices and great immorality (not unlike today).
But in the midst of the evil, God’s grace was seen by Barnabas in that many people turned to God and followed Christ. Grace can include “the merciful kindness by which God, exerting His Holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ” 3.
SEEING THE GRACE OF GOD TODAY
We have hope in this present world today, that no matter how dark and evil things may be, we can see God’s grace at work. The challenge before us, is to continue to pray, and proclaim the Good News everywhere, so that the grace of God can be seen.

References:
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) English Standard Version (ESV)
1 Strong’s Definitions from Greek Lexicon
2 Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database
3 Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database