God With Us

Why does the humanity of Jesus matter? Matthew 1:18–25 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” The conception of this child is a miracle: - Because Mary and Joseph had not “come together.” - Because the eternal God assumed human flesh. Why does the humanity of Jesus matter? 1. Jesus’ humanity makes him relatable. Hebrews 2:14 “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things…” Hebrews 2:17 “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect…” 2. Jesus’ humanity is a necessity for our salvation Hebrews 2:14–16 “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.” “Jesus could only represent humans if he became a human – a real human. And if he cannot represent us, then he cannot redeem us.” – Michael Kruger 1 Corinthians 15:54–58 “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Hebrews 2:17 “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” Jesus’ Humanity Should Lead Us to: - Recenter our lives on the person of Jesus. - Remove any fear of the penalty of death. - Reassures us of Jesus’ deep love for us.