THE HUMANITY OF CHRIST. Sourced from Luke’s gospel
From heaven, the angel Gabriel announced the supernatural conception of our Lord Jesus to Mary. 1:31-35 The throne room confirmed the extraordinary conception of our Lord.
His DNA was designed by the great Designer and inbuilt in HIM. The Spirit of God implanted fertilized ovum in Mary. Acts staggers with truth that His life-blood is ‘the blood of God.’
John the Baptist in the late months of gestation, signaled the Presence of his Lord during the early stage of His development by ’leaping in Elisabeth’s womb for joy.’ 1:44-45 An unrehearsed tribute to the Deity of our Lord even while early in Mary’s pregnancy. Mystery? Surely!
He, Who instituted the laws of obstetrics submitted to the ordeal of the 280 days plus a few extra for the Antipodes. What submission to the eternal law of heaven. Every mother appreciates this.
( 280 that is 40 +7 ) were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger , because there was no room for them ( including the newly-born Lord of Creation ) in the inn.’ Isaiah had written, ‘A Child is born ‘( humanity ) while a Son is given ( Deity )
Common shepherds were convinced of His humanity, for ‘An angel of the Lord stood before them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David ( prophecy fulfilled ) a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you, establishing His human nature, You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ Peals of praise poured from heaven. Suddenly with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praised God. Heaven gasped wonderingly as the enthroned Son condescended to human limitation, frailty and humility. ‘And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the BABE lying in a manger’ Notice their response, ‘When they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning the Child.’ Overwhelming evidence of the humanity and Deity of God’s excellent Son.
Circumcision is an eighth day procedure. Our Creator ordained that clotting and healing peak on that day: when the BMA established this, genuine opposition to this rite evaporated. The Lord has appointed this feature, and now submitted to this operation. No further proof of His humanity than His submission to this measure. The name of the child is released after this practice, ‘When eight days were established for the circumcision of this Child, His Name was called Jesus, (Jehoshua, Jehovah is our salvation ) the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 2:21
‘Simeon was just and devout , waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It was revealed unto Him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. He took Him up in his arms and blessed God. My eyes have seen your Salvation‘. 2:27-34 Seven references to the life and ministry of the Spirit of God.
‘ Anna came in that instant, giving thanks to the Lord. And spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.‘ 2: 37-38 She had waited long for HIM; her quest fulfilled.
Growth is natural, but also an amazing feature of childhood. Every observant mother knows when the teeth should come through: when breast milk should be supplemented with solids: when fontanelles of the skull begin to close. It is amazing to read of Christ, ‘The child grew and became strong in spirit: filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him. ‘2:40 He submitted bodily and mentally to all the features of a growing child.
Puberty- secondary sexual characteristics 2:42. This should not surprise a student of the Word of God. He was tempted in all points as we are: inclusive of sexual desire which he laid aside for the church, His bride of every nation, age, culture and tongue. Our Lord was falsely accused of sensitivity to the one who washed HIS feet and dried them in her hair.
The Son of God grew in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man.’ In 2;32, ‘He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. ’ God’s Son submitted to the leading of foster father Joseph and His mother Mary. He knew home discipline, and its growing necessity with body and mind development.
The Bible is silent until Jesus is 30 years of age, being the hidden years of apprenticeship to his foster father Joseph as village carpenter. Muscular development followed His logging trees, sawing them into suitable lengths, and drawing them to Nazareth to the workshop. Examination of ‘annual rings ‘ in the trees confirmed that as Creator, He had built-in this evidence. Indeed, it was His handiwork. Rapid growth yielded from bumper years, with regular rains, sunshine- while sluggish development evidenced dry seasons with unfavorable climate.
4 brothers and 2 sisters were added to the family. He observed his mother Mary’s pregnancies and the breast-feeding following. He had instituted the hormonal release for pregnancy and lactation. HE had founded all the physiology of pregnancy, and recovery to normal functions of womanhood. Joseph until death disciplined and daily instructed the boy Christ Jesus, while the Rabbi taught the young people in the Sabbath school..
Proof of manhood was Jesus’ baptism. ‘It came to pass that ‘when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized, and while he prayed, the heaven was opened. Water oozed from His clothing, his hair was tousled, His shoes squelched as he walked. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, ( Christ was God in a bodily form ) and a voice came from heaven which said, ( in Aramaic ) You are My beloved SON , in You I am well pleased. Draw a triangle for here the Holy Trinity ( Father, Son, Holy Spirit ) function. Our Lord could be baptized only in a human form, and pray with human voice and heart and possess a body, filled with the Holy Spirit.
Our Lord had an adopted father, chosen by the Lord and advised by the angel for such a holy ministry. ‘Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age ( being as was supposed ) the son of Joseph, a man of integrity and holy disposition. 3:23 Joseph’s genealogy descended from Adam. The Son of God was the second Adam. Immediately after heaven’s confirmation, our Lord was sorely tempted by the devil 4:1-13. Such testing often follows heaven-top moments as in the baptism of our Lord.
Satan jumped at the moment when our Lord Jesus had been baptized in Jordan. Subtle and evilly intelligent, he aimed to defeat the Son of Man. 4:1 Not exempt from satanic overtures, our Lord was led by the Spirit as we are daily, hourly. No food passed His lips during the 40 days. Scripture adds, ’When they were finished he was hungry. The frst trial was to turn rocks (geology) into bread (carbohydrate). The Lord retaliated from Deuteronomy. The devil transported him ( no description is offered, real or imagined ) to a high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. Only devilish power could make this possible. He promised power ’exousai’ , jurisdiction, authority and glory( tarnished, tattered) If you will bow down and worship me- just once.’The Son of man responded, ‘Get behind ME satan. ’It is written,. ’You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.’
He had appealed to a depraved love of self and pride - and failed. In the third temptation to crave for spiritual superiority, He brought Him to the pinnacle of the temple. If ( b ecause You are, not challenging His Deity ) the Son of God, throw Yourself down. Then satan audaciously quoted ‘It is written’ as deceiver, trickster, full of hatred. ’Our Lord responded as Man, ’It is written, You shall not tempt the Lord your God‘. He used identical resources to your’s and mine. He slunk away, defeated, cringing, repulsed. Praise the Lord.
Victorious, our Lord returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out throughout the surrounding region. ’ He taught in all their synagogues, being glorified of all.’
They had watched him as the carpenter’s son assumed the mantle of head of the home after Joseph’s death. Thery knew Him well. ‘Now He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up . As His custom, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. His humanity was fully accepted. ’And he was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah, He found the place where it was written ( He unwound the scroll chapter by chapter ),knowing exactly to go to 61:1. Some of the most pointed words in scripture follow, ’The Spirit of the Lord ( the third person of the Trinity ) is upon me, because He has appointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives. ’Today is this Scripture fulfilled in your hearing.’ ‘All bore witness to Him and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. ( personal features, breath, diction, and an organ of speech.)
They could not doubt His humanity for ’They were filled with wrath (with this person ) and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff’. By His determined character and dignified, powerful walk ’He passed through the midst of them.’ He went His way. When He opened the Scriptures, they applauded. They deeply resented His claim to fulfilment. Now, filled with hatred and murder they schemed for His life. His time had not yet come to be yielded up as a sacrifice for our sin. In His perfect manhood and undiminished God nature, linked and inseparable, He anticipated this ultimate sacrifice every day of His 1000 days plus ministry. In WW11, I was out of Australia for more than 1000 days. I longed for home; It seemed an eternity.
A demon-possessed man acknowledged He was truly man and Son of God. Recognition from hell. ‘At Capernaum they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority.’ In the synagogue a man, with the spirit of an unclean demon, cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth, ( humanity)? .Did you cone to destroy us? I know who you are the Holy One of God’. (deity) Devils understood His incarnation.
He contacted lepers. ‘A man full of leprosy ( his leonine face, prominent ears, hands and feet with parts missing, smelly ulcers). confirmed their diagnosis ) saw Jesus, and he fell on his face and implored Him saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make Me clean.’ He put out His hand ( unforgettable shudders when I first tentatively handled a leper). I Am willing, be cleansed.’ immediately the leprosy left him.’ Unmistakeable manhood. 5:14
He knew He must die brutally and rise again majestically. He enquired,’Whch is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you ( needing the shedding of his atoning life-blood) or say, Arise and walk‘ ( confirmed by His rising again ). Remember this is in the first year of His ministry.
‘He said to the man who was paralyzed , I say to you; arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.’ Our Lord understood this miraculous healing on home and loved ones. 5:23
He attended a great feast in Levi’s home, shared with the dubious, unwelcome tax collectors.
He sensed secret opposition. He talked of heavenly things uncompromisingly. ’Those who are well have no need of a physician , but those who are sick. ’ 5:31 They hushed when Mathew told of His call to discipleship and devotion to our dear Lord. Christ Jesus used every means to reach men and women with His great salvation.
The Lord Jesus experienced human opposition, wrath and jealousy at His power of healing. He taught in the synagogue on the Sabbath day, alongside a man with a withered hand, which may have been from birth or from trauma. They scrutinized Him, for ‘the scribes and Pharisees watched Him closely whether he would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against Him.’ With dignified bearing, he looked around at them all , ‘Stretch out your hand.’
Muscle wasting, shrunken tendons , clogged blood vessels, atrophied nerves were the aftermath of the Fall. He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand. He did so, and it was restored whole as the other, with muscles built up, tendons functioning, blood vessels pulsating, and nerves linked with the cerebral tissues. ) Supernatural, instantaneous, total healing. Death loomed for Christ as ’They were filled with rage, and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.’
Our Lord, as perfect Man practiced prayer. Indeed, he spent the entire night in prayer. This is foreign in our culture, even among believers. However, when Gwenda and I visited Seoul, South Korea, she to teach English and I the Word, they accepted 4.30 am for daily prayer. Every day!
The whole church prayed simultaneously before work, university, or home duties. Safest time to be on the streets of this vast city, they smilingly informed us. ’In those days he went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. When it was day, he called His twelve disciples to Himself: and from them he chose twelve who became also prayerful partners.’
Jesus our Lord had enquired about the funeral, establishing that a young man had died, who was the only son ( and therefore, the bread-winner ) and a large crowd supported his widowed mother . ’He had compassion on her, enquiring, ’Why do you weep?’ When He saw her,’ as man and carpenter, he touched the coffin observing the texture of the wood. As God’s Son, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’ 75 trillion cells regenerated, springing into life at His Word. He who was dead sat up and began to speak. Lovingly, He presented him to his mother.’ Joy spilled over.
Our Lord faced challenges like we do. John the Baptist sent two disciples to Him, ‘Are You the coming One, or do we look for another?’ His glory was on show to a dear friend: ‘That very hour he cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits, and to many He gave sight. He replied, ‘Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: blind see; lame walk; lepers are cleansed; deaf hear; dead are raised; poor have the gospel preached to them.’ 7:22 He bodily moved among the needy ones, imparting sight, rehabilitating healed lepers; observing; rebuking evil, and sympathizing, rejoicing in His triumph. He expressed His perfect manhood.
Men recognized the humanity of our dear Lord, falsely accusing Him of sensual, evil attraction to godless women. 7:37 ‘A woman in the city, who was a sinner ( presumably immoral ), when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil. And stood at His feet behind Him weeping ( her heart broken because of Christ‘s holiness ) ; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself ( arrogant, inhospitable ) , This Man ( notice he admitted the manliness of our dear Lord ), if he were a Prophet would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him (so degraded his mind) for she is a sinner( prone to abandon morality) . His dissipated mind was depraved.
His eternal nature shone in His response, ‘There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay( being spiritually bankrupt ) He freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love Him more?’ Simon reluctantly replied, caught out by the eternal wisdom of the Christ, ‘I suppose the One whom He forgave more. You have rightly judged. ‘You gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head ( a woman’s glory is her hair.’( my experience of a sweet wife and beautiful daughters. You gave Me no kiss but the woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head ( humanly speaking ) with oil, but this woman has anointed My head with fragrant oil. Therefore, I say to you, her sins which are many ( He knew her deep secrets ) are forgiven, for she loved much. To whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. Authoritatively He ruled, ‘Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.’ Manhood-Godhead!
Godly women, rescued from evil spirits and infirmities- including Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and many others provided for Him from their substance.’ No one hinted at any improper conduct in the presence of womanly nobility. Did they prepare meals for our Lord and His team? Did they urge rest when exhaustion drained them; did they launder His clothes: did they knit His inner garment without seam? They ministered to Him from their resources. 8:4 They saw His manhood and need of quietness, a refuge from pressured living.
While Mary was His mother, His half brothers and sisters had grown up under his leading in the home and carpenter’s shop. 8:19 They would recall every evidence of His manhood. ‘My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.’
The Lord Jesus was physically exhausted, just as we often are. ‘Let us cross over to the other side of the lake. They launched out. As they sailed, He fell asleep‘. 8:22 His cerebral sleep centre functioned normally, without forfeiting any divine characteristic. A windstorm came down on the lake and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him. Saying, ‘Master, Master (repeated for urgency) we are perishing. Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. They ceased. There was a great calm. Where is your faith? They were afraid. They marveled, ’ Saying to one another, Who can this be? He commands even the wind and the waves and they obey Him.’ Manhood clear! Deity undeniable.
Demons conceded his humanity and his deity. 8:28 ‘When he saw Jesus, he fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the most high God. I beg you not to torment Me.’ He exorcised the demons, driving them out of the man into the herd of swine. Their owners came to Jesus with the man sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. Fear gripped them. A proof of His human nature (flesh and blood of our dear Lord).
‘He felt power going out from Him. Somebody touched me. He was enervated, when he healed the woman with ’The flow of blood for 12 years‘. Faithful preachers know that passing of energy reserve when preaching the great salvation of our Lord. 8:46. The ruler of the synagogue’s daughter lay still and cold. ‘He put them all outside, took her by the unfeeling hand, muscles tensed with rigor mortis, calling ‘Little girl, arise. Her spirit returned‘, glazed eyes glistened, she arose immediately. ‘Give her something to eat’, He commanded. They observed these changes.
He fed the 5000, 9:13, showing deep compassion for the exhausted, famished, fainting people.
Jesus predicted His death and resurrection. 9:22 He must be wounded and bruised for us.
‘He was transfigured before Moses and Elijah. 9:27 Contrast with noble characters of Old testament, for the law and prophets were fulfilled in the Man Christ Jesus.
‘What man of you , having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after the lost until he finds it. 15:4. He watched the shepherds on the Bethlehem hills. He had followed David composing His shepherd Psalm.
The prodigal son in 15:18 contrasted with His close oneness in the Nazareth home- and with His heavenly Father.
He had observed this aristocratic Rich man’s death and the beggarly Lazarus as in 16:19
He met 10 lepers from a certain village.17:11Gross deformities were sickening: hands and feet disfigured: filthy , smelling ulcers, even the lion face identified by my staff at Wlingi.
He touched little children, for he was truly man. 18:15
The Rider on the white horse of Revelation foretold His lowly entry into Jerusalem. ‘When you enter, you will find a colt tied on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here.’ 19;31
‘He went into the temple to drive out those who bought and sold in it. 19:45. It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’ He vigorously exercised His manhood, driving out the animals and the villains seeking gain.
‘He said to them ‘How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David? 20;41 The Son of God’s embodiment ( life in human flesh ) was clearer as He approached the cross.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us, which He observed as His rejection approached. 22:1
Satan’s entry into Judas was repugnant to God’s Son. 22:3 Years of warning, pleading wasted in his treachery. ‘With (understandable ) desire I ( as a human being ) have desired to eat this Passover with you, before I suffer‘. He longed for sweet fellowship with those of three years’ association. 22:15 He predicted a common rooster cry to herald Peter’s denial of One so valuable. He was strengthened by an angel from heaven to comfort Him. 22:43 This preceded the intense, hemorrhagic sweating. ‘He was made flesh and dwelt among us.’
His trial in the Garden of Gethsemane. 22:40 ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away.
His sweat became as great drops of blood, falling down to the ground. ‘Every sweat pore bled. A sole patient presented with these symptoms, demanding hospitalization with transfusion.
He was betrayed with a kiss- a sign of human closeness and love. 22;48
‘He touched his ear and healed him. Compassionate humanity and infinite Godhead.
‘While he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned. His gaze followed His heart.
No man suffered as He. They mocked and beat Jesus Christ, taunting Him, Tell us who struck you?’ They blasphemed Him, speaking against His heavenly origin. 22:65
Pilate acknowledged His manhood, ’I find no fault in this Man.’ 23:4.
King Herod derided Him, ’He treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.’ No one dare challenge His true manhood.
‘They shouted, ;Crucify Him. Crucify Him.’ 23;21 Pilate released a criminal of deepest dye in exchange for the sinless One; a degraded exchange. Divine Substitute crucified for us. 23:25
‘When they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified HIM, and the criminals, one on the right hand, one on the left.’ 23:33. This is the central truth of our atonement. Martin Lloyd Jones, London, Chuck Colson (Watergate ) , MacAthur, Grace community, Chuck Swindoll, Dallas theological Seminary, Alistair McGrath from Oxford preach the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
‘He saved others. Let Him save Himself, if he is the Christ ( Messiah, Prophet, Priest and King)
As a human being, He scorned a cheap release. Because He loved you, He died for you.
As God and Man He prayed, ‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’ The Greek ‘delivered’ has 7 features: arrest in the garden; bonds; false accusation; cuffing; flogging; mock trials, crucifixion. Often our Lord used this term in the unjust events leading to the cross.
Picture the Crucifixion of the Son of God and Son of Man, when He cried, ‘My God, My God why have you forsaken Me?’ Psalm 22:1
No one challenged a mother‘s loving care of her first-born Son. Mary‘s presence supported her Son; as well as God‘s eternal Son.
‘Mother behold your Son. Son, behold your mother. From that hour John took her to his own home‘. Perfect manhood - true God-head. (Very God of very God.)
Paul wrote in 1Timothy 2:5, ‘There is one God and on e Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus., who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Add hymn of His manhood. Charles Wesley 1707-88
Let earth and heaven combine,
Angels and men agree,
To praise in songs divine
The incarnate Deity,
Our God contracted to a span,
Incomprehensively made man.
He laid His glory by,
He wrapped Him in our clay;
Unmarked by human eye,
The latent Godhead lay;
Infant of days He here became,
And bore the mild Immanuel’s name.
Unsearchable the love
That has the Savior brought;
The grace that is far above
Or man or angel’s thought:
Suffice for us that God, we know,
Our God is manifest below.
He deigns in flesh to appear,
Widest extremes to join;
To bring our vileness near,
And make us all divine;
And we the life of God shall know,
For God is manifest below.
Made perfect first in love,
And sanctified by grace,
We shall from earth remove,
And see His glorious face;
Then shall His love be fully showed,
And man shall then be lost in God.
HDS.