The Tabernacle Dwelt Among Us – John 1:14
Pastor Tan Thai · Dec 9, 2012
This sermon reflects on the image of the 'tabernacle' in John 1:14, where John uses the word 'skēnoō' to describe the Word pitching His tent among humanity. Drawing the connection between the Old Testament Tabernacle and the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the sermon leads the congregation to a deep longing for heaven as their true home.
The sermon opens by unpacking the Greek word 'skēnoō' in John 1:14, commonly translated 'dwelt among us' but more literally rendered 'pitched His tent' or 'tabernacled among us.' The image of a tent conveys temporariness, fragility, and transience — much like the human body, which grows old, weak, and returns to dust. The Word took on this temporary, frail body to accomplish the plan of redemption during His brief 33-year sojourn on earth.
The pastor draws a series of rich parallels between the Old Testament Tabernacle and Jesus Christ: God dwelt in the Tabernacle among His people in the wilderness, just as Jesus lived among sinful humanity. The Tabernacle's exterior was plain and unimpressive, yet God's glory filled it — just as Jesus had no attractive outward appearance (Isaiah 53:2) yet was full of divine glory. The Tabernacle was the place of atoning sacrifice, while Jesus Christ is the one sufficient atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 10:11-12). And as the Tabernacle was not a permanent dwelling but moved and was taken away, Jesus came, accomplished redemption, and ascended to sit at the right hand of God.
The second half of the sermon turns to the longing for heaven. The pastor reflects on Abraham's and Zechariah's patient faith while waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled. The story of Joni Eareckson Tada — paralyzed for 47 years yet serving God faithfully through her radio ministry — is used as a vivid illustration of the deep longing for one's true home in heaven.
The sermon closes with the reminder that the Christmas season, though filled with joy, is itself only a temporary season. Each Christmas that comes and goes reminds us that this life is a temporary tent, and our true home is heaven where we will be reunited with our Father. The congregation is called to pray with the apostle John: 'Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!' (Revelation 22:20).