Who is Jesus? #142

Ten Things You Must Know About Jesus
His Humanity

Now don’t tell me He was half man and half God – it was all or nothing! You and I may have a hard time framing that thought, be He was both. How do we sort this out?

I guess we could dwell on all of the standard stuff: He was born, He grew, He had flesh and bones, His bled, He got hungry, He got thirsty, He slept when He was weary, and He died. I am not sure that differentiates Him much from every other animal.

We could even take note of all of his human emotions; He rejoiced, He was angered, He suffered great mental anguish. Perhaps this is getting closer to His human nature; but, is there something else? Maybe the reasons for His rejoicing, getting angry, etc. would help us out here. I can get angry when I am violated. I can rejoice when things go right in my life. What about me getting angry when you are violated? What about me rejoicing when things go right for you? We are talking here about a conscious awareness of other people, what they are dealing with, reacting to their situation, followed up with an offer and effort to help and serve.

How about Hebrews 4:15.

                  For we do not have a high priest who is unable
                  to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have
                  one who has been tempted in every way, just as
                  we are — yet was without sin.

That word "sympathize" means to be touched. There are scores of powerful people in this old world, but I am not sure just how many of them can relate to me much less sympathize with or be touched by me. Have you ever tried to minister to someone dealing with some sort of tragedy? Many times the response is, "you just don't what I am going through." The comfort and encouragement they seek comes from someone who has been there and gone through what they are experiencing.

Jesus had His own struggles.

Hebrews 5:2

                  7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up
                  prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the
                 one who could save him from death, and he was heard
                 because of his reverent submission.

He experienced pain, so He feels your pain and offers relief. He experienced joy and is therefore able to rejoice with you in your victory. He was disappointed and is able to reach into your life and lift you up with encouragement. He was rejected by those closest to Him and is able, therefore, to bring you into fellowship with Him in the Holy Spirit. You haven't been where He has not gone - there and back.

The humanity of Jesus is what makes His sacrifice so genuine - "taking the appearance of a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8)."