At the beginning of John's gospel he says; "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." In this section of the book the authors do a great job of explaining this verse and then breaking it up into sections. The section that spoke to me the most was 'The Word That Encourages.'
Here the authors talk about the Word (Jesus), who became flesh, being fully God and fully human:
"Jesus is also the Word that encourages. 'The Word became flesh' (John 1:14) affirms that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, two natures coexisting in one divine, unique Person. Greek philosophy and Muslim theology both deny that God can or would become human. In those systems, matter is evil, so God would devalue Himself by becoming flesh.
But the Gospel of John tells us that the preexistent Son of God permanently took to Himself a human body and nature (vv. 14-15) and He remains the unique God-Man today. John affirms that the incarnation is a way to see the glory of the 'only begotten of the Father' (KJV): the Son of God coming in humbleness, stooping to serve and sacrifice and triumph. When we see the incarnate Son of God, we also see grace and truth.
So it is good to be human - because Jesus is. He has experienced life as we do, and He understands what it means to live in this fallen world. Jesus knows about temptation, rejection, hostility, loneliness, sorrow, and pain. He also knows about love, family, joy, prayer and friendship. That makes Him our great encourager. He, of course, did not sin. He helps us resist temptation and avoid sin. When we fail, He doesn't criticize us or desert us. He understands and encourages us to move forward. He transforms us by His grace and truth. With Jesus, life is worth living."
Click HERE for Part 1 of C is for Christmas
Click HERE for Part 2 of C is for Christmas: Bethlehem
Click HERE for Part 3 of C is for Christmas: Xmas
I think it's interesting that at different points in history and in our lives we focus on Jesus' humanity or divinity. These days, it seems a reminder to focus on his humanity, like this here, is well needed; thank you!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kati. Christmas focuses on God taking on flesh and walking as we do. This is love. I cannot imagine the thought of walking in someones shoes in a lower economic level, let alone stepping down from the divine. Love. Pure love.
ReplyDeletethe incarnation is such a powerful picture of the love and humility of Christ--and you're right, it esteems our bodies and humanity in a way that is truly radical and unique.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by ladies! God coming in the flesh is truly incredible. I agree it is pure love. :)
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