The Person of Christ: Humanity
How is Jesus fully God and fully man, yet one person?
- Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man in one person, and will be so forever.
- Virgin Birth – Matthew 1:18-20
- Salvation ultimately must come from the Lord, not human effort.
- Jesus was fully human, not sent down fully baked.
- Jesus was fully God, not inheriting sin – Luke 1:35
- Human Weakness and Limitations
- Jesus had a human body
- Jesus was a baby, grew as a child – Luke 2:40-52
- Jesus was tired, hungry, thirsty, slept – John 4:6
- He was weak, and died. – Luke 23:46
- Jesus has scars – Luke 24:39
- Jesus had a human mind
- Jesus “increased in wisdom” – Luke 2:52
- Jesus doesn’t know the day or hour he will return – Mark 13:32
- Jesus had a human soul and human emotions
- His soul was troubled – John 12:27
- He marveled, wept.
- People near Jesus saw him only as a man
- Matthew 13:53-58
- Jesus had a human body
- Sinless – 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15
- Was Jesus’ full humanity necessary?
- For representative obedience – Romans 5:18-19, 1 Cor. 15:45-47
- To be a substitute sacrifice – Hebrews 2:16-17
- To be the One mediator between God and men – 1 Timothy 2:5
- To be our example and pattern in life – 1 John 2:6
- To sympathize as High Priest – Hebrews 4:15-16
- Jesus will be a man forever
- Flesh and bones – Luke 24:39
- Ate food – Luke 24:41-42
- Jesus will return as he left – Acts 1:11
- Like a son of man – Revelation 1:13
Application
- Are there specific ways in which you now think of Jesus as being more like you than you did before? In what ways?
- How can a clearer understanding of Jesus’ humanity help you face temptations?
- How can it help you pray?
- What are the most difficult situations in your life right now? Can you think of any similar situations that Jesus might have faced?
- Does that encourage you to pray confidently to him?