In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. John 1:1; 14
One facet that distinguishes Jesus from all others is the fact that he is God and he became human. Many will go so far to admit the existence of God, of a power greater than ourselves who created the universe in which we live. However, some seem to think that God is distant and at best neutral to our human condition. The God of the Biblical narrative cannot be portrayed as unconcerned and not involved with the creation. Jesus’ incarnation is proof positive of the length to which God will go in order that we might identify with him and allow him to restore our broken relationship. Eugene Peterson translates John 1:14 as, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.” Jesus became 100% human so that we could know that he certainly understands what it is like to be human. He was born and grew up in a family the same as most of us. He knows what it is like to live a human life. Often, when we are in the middle of the struggle, we believe the lie that no one really understands what we are going through. When that thought crowds in it is time to remember the truth that Jesus really does understand what we experience. All the highs and lows, the temptations and trials were experienced by the one who died to rescue us. There are several places in the New Testament that drive this point home:
– Hebrews 2:14-18
– Hebrews 4:16-18
– Philippians 2:5-11
My friend John often likes to remind me that “we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Jesus totally gets that!
BLESSINGS
