In the Flesh
Jesus understands you. He can relate! He came into this world, not just as God, but also as a man. A man who faced threats, temptation, pain, loss, and just the ordinary day-to-day struggles that comes with humanity. He also laughed and enjoyed the gifts of God that come with a life in relationship with Him. Did you know Jesus even worked a job?
This Christmas we were reminded that Jesus came “in the flesh” as a baby in a manger. May that reality allow you to take comfort and encouragement in the fact that when you’re going through difficult times, you feel alone, as if no one understands, Jesus knows exactly how you feel. Here are a few thoughts to ponder about the humanity of Jesus. How is He human and how does that impact us?
Human body- He was born as a baby like you & me He grew physically & mentally. Jesus had birthdays! He understands being a kid, a teenager, and an adult. The full range of hunger, thirst, exhaustion, death. He understood a hard days’ work as a carpenter. He knows what it’s like to see death coming & to face it! God cannot die, but because Jesus was man, He could! (Luke 2:7, 40, 52)
Emotions- Jesus knows what it’s like to feel troubled (betrayal of Judas), sorrowful (when praying in garden, asking others to watch). Jesus was even impressed at times (He marveled at the faith of a Roman soldier). We read that he wept at the loss of a dear friend. Jesus even knows what it feels like to be tempted! (Heb 4:15-16)
Mind- He learned to eat, talk, read, write, how to be obedient to parents. With temptation, Jesus also understood how to go to battle in the mind. How to wage that war that only you can see & feel. (Luke 2:40, 52)
Will- We understand that it’s not always easy or comfortable to choose God’s will in life. Jesus had that choice to make as well. He always chose, not the easy road, but the road that was directed by His Father. That road was filled with suffering for our sake. (John 6:38, Matt. 26:39)
“And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Pastor Michael
