Podcast Summary: Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson

Episode: “Coming Face-to-Face with Christ”

Date: December 22, 2025
Host: Sinclair B. Ferguson (Ligonier Ministries)

Episode Overview

In this special Christmas episode, Sinclair B. Ferguson offers comfort and reflection for listeners who may be experiencing loneliness, struggle, or loss during the holidays. Drawing on the opening verses of the Gospel of John, he explores the profound mystery of the incarnation—God becoming flesh—and encourages us to encounter Jesus face-to-face, even in the midst of life’s darkness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Presence of Christ in Difficult Times (00:08 - 01:30)

• Ferguson acknowledges that many listeners may be alone or going through a difficult Christmas, whether due to distance, struggles, or loss.
  • “The message of the birth of the Lord Jesus is that he’s able to be with you and help you and save you, no matter who you are, where you are, or how you feel. And he does this precisely because he became one with us apart from sin.” (00:24)
• Emphasizes that Jesus experienced the full range of human existence—“He felt what we feel”—which enables him to be present with us.

2. The Unique Perspective of John’s Gospel (01:31 - 03:30)

• Ferguson introduces the distinctiveness of John’s Gospel compared to Matthew and Luke:
  • Whereas Matthew and Luke recount the external events of Christ’s birth (shepherds, Magi, etc.), John gives the “inner meaning, the truth about the coming of Jesus into the world.” (02:23)
• References John Calvin:
  • “The other gospels…show us Christ's body, but John shows us his soul.” (02:42)
• Explains that John writes not just as an eyewitness but as someone inspired by the Spirit to reveal deeper truths about Jesus’ incarnation.

3. The Prologue of John and the Meaning of the Incarnation (03:31 - 07:40)

• Ferguson reads John 1:1-18 aloud, inviting listeners to hear the words afresh and meditate on their significance.
  • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory…full of grace and truth.” (04:08 - 05:35)
• Emphasizes the idea that Jesus, the eternal Word, was always “face to face” with the Father and has now come to be face to face with us.
• Highlights:
  • Christ as the true light shining in darkness, not overcome by it.
  • The rejection of Jesus by the world, and the gift of becoming children of God to those who receive him.
  • The fullness of grace upon grace found in Christ.

4. The Call to a Personal Encounter with Jesus (07:41 - 09:10)

• Ferguson explains that John’s choice of preposition (“with God”—literally “towards God”) communicates the eternal intimacy of the Son with the Father.
  • “The Son who was face to face with God came to be face to face with us. Face to face with you...” (08:26)
• The invitation: This Christmas, we are called to respond by looking face to face with Jesus, as he is face to face with God.
• Closes with a line from the hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” encouraging listeners to focus on Christ’s glory and grace:
  • “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” (08:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Christ’s Empathy:
  • “He came face to face with everything that we have to face. He felt what we feel.” (00:21)
• On John’s Gospel:
  • “John gives us the inner story of the incarnation…from the Lord Jesus’ own point of view and then from John’s observations.” (02:42)
• On the Purpose of the Incarnation:
  • “The Son who was face to face with God came to be face to face with us.” (08:26)
• Personal Benediction:
  • “I pray you’ll know his presence this Christmas and the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (09:07)

Key Timestamps

• 00:08 — Opening reflection on loneliness and Christ’s closeness
• 02:23 — The unique perspective of John’s Gospel, Calvin’s quote
• 04:08 – 05:35 — Full reading of John 1:1-18
• 08:26 — The significance of Jesus being “face to face” with us
• 08:53 — Quotation of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” and invitation to personal encounter

Episode Tone

The tone is gentle, warm, pastoral, and contemplative—offering deep biblical insight while addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of listeners, especially those who may feel isolated or burdened at Christmas.

Summary Takeaway

Sinclair Ferguson uses the Gospel of John’s prologue to help listeners find hope and presence in Christ during Christmas, not just in the festive trappings, but in the wonder of the incarnation—God coming face to face with our humanity so that we might, in turn, look to him and find grace, truth, and peace.