In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God … And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. John 1:1-2, 14 AMP
Yesterday, as Kathy shared about the Trinity we were reminded of God the Son, Jesus Christ. That He is fully God, divine in all ways. Jesus was there at the Creation and He will be the rider, called Faithful and True, shared in Revelation 19.
For many, Jesus as fully God is easy … He healed people, calmed the seas, fed the thousands, and cast out demons. We know the Old Testament’s prophecies of the Messiah, Son of God, Savior, Redeemer, and we read the New Testament seeing them fulfilled.
But, somehow, the idea of Jesus as fully man is far more difficult for us to wrap our minds around. The Virgin Birth, King of Kings born in a manger, a toddler learning to walk, a child studying the prophets who foretold of His coming, a young man learning a trade, a son working alongside his father … these are more challenging aspects of Christ’s life.
And yet, it is in His humanity, the Incarnation of Christ, that our redemption is secured. For it as a man that Christ became the fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17). As a man, full in His humanity, Christ felt hunger (Matthew 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), tiredness (John 4:6), sorrow (John 11:35), and anger (Mark 3:5). Christ, as the Son of Man, endured every trial, temptation, and affliction that we may experience here in this fallen world (Hebrews 4:15) and yet He remained without sin.
His sinless human life is our redemption! For by living as a man, in every way experiencing every difficulty this fallen world brings and yet never sinning, Jesus became the only acceptable sacrifice, the payment, for our sin (Hebrews 9:12-14).
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is the first chapter of the Gospel of John … that God became flesh and dwelt – tabernacled – among us. The Word became Flesh … and that matters because it is through that giving of the “only begotten Son” that we find the hope of eternal life.
How does the incarnation of Christ, that He was fully man, help you gain a greater understanding of salvation?
Thank you for todays scripture. I attend a monthy bible study and last nights lesson was on all the sin Jesus paid for by being crucified. He took all our bagage from us and set us free. Your message today fit in perfect with what we learned last night. It must be what God wants me to focus on.
Thank you for your blog. It is a wonderful way to start my day!
Julie
Thank you for your encouraging words, Julie.
Teri Lynne ~ What a wonderful explanation of why it was so important that Jesus became flesh! We’d be hopeless if He didn’t.
Amen, Steph.
One of my favorite passages is Philippians 2: 6-11. These verses remind us that our salvation came at a great cost. Jesus, willingly humbled Himself. God humbled Himself to take on flesh. He set aside His divine rights to become a man who could die for us. Thanks for this awesome reminder today Teri Lynne.
I love that passage too, Kathy. “He set aside His divine rights to become a man who could die for us.” What a precious truth.
This one truth helps me realize the humility involved in Jesus lowering Himself to be like us. How amazing for God to choose to fit into the frame of a human body. Such love….
How true, Julie! I agree. It’s the ultimate example of humble servitude.
That knowledge of Christ here on earth shouts grace to me. I’m still, after years of believing, in awe, amazed, and nearly surprised at that truth. Actually, I guess I’m even more affected by it now, as I continue to grow in faith.
I love, love, love Hebrews 4:15. As I began reading this post, I was thinking of that verse. I figured you’d use it!
Thank you for these words and verses today.