“Truly Human, Truly Divine: Salvation Through the Son – Part One”
I Believe, Help My Unbelief Series
John 1:1-14, Philippians 2:5-8, Colossians 1:15-18
March 23, 2003
Purpose: Since Jesus is truly human and truly divine, we can take comfort in that he’s experienced everything that we’ve experienced and more, to the point of giving up his life so that we may share our eternal lives with him.
Introduction
What does it mean to be both human and divine?
example - somewhat like our children – divine while sleeping, human every other time!
example - the creed –conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary
I. Truly Human (born of the virgin) – Philippians 2:5-8
Jesus has been there – quick study of Mark
When he was tempted…Jesus was human. (Mark 1:12-13)When he was misunderstood….Jesus was human. (Mark 3:20-27)
When he had family problems…Jesus was human. (Mark 3:31-33)
When he was rejected….he was human. (Mark 6:1-6)
When Jesus lost people close to him…he was human. (Mark 6:14-29)
When his friends betrayed him…he was human (Mark 14:10-11,50)
When he had doubts and fears…he was human. (Mark 14:35-36)
When he was mocked by the world…he was human. (Mark 15:16-19)
Philippians 2:5-8 says (NIV) – Jesus took “the very nature of a servant being made in human
likeness.”
Although he was “something” – he made himself nothing, so that the price he paid on that cross would mean everything. “The very nature of God” becoming “human” can give us an extraordinary amount of hope in these difficult days.
Why? He knows our experiences. He knows what we’re dealing with. He knows our joys as well as our doubts and our fears…our hopes and our dreams as well as our failures….our limitations as well as our capabilities. Jesus was truly human, born of the Virgin Mary, to give hope even in some of the most hopeless situations.
But what makes it even more interesting is that he was, at the same time, truly divine.
II. Truly Divine (conceived by the Spirit) - John 1:1-14, Colossians 1:15-18
He is the Word made flesh. – John
The Word was with God…a face-to-face relationship
The Word was God…moreover, the Word has all the characteristics of God
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…
He is the image of the invisible God. - Colossians
Colossians 1:15- 18 (NIV) states, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rules or authorities; all things were created by him and form him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; his is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
And Jesus knew it…that’s why he went around making the “I AM” statements irritating the religious leaders of his day…that’s why he forgave the sins of the paralytic before he healed him….that’s why he allowed himself to be crucified…that’s why he told his disciples that on the third day that grace would be empty…that’s why he now sits at the right hand of the father waiting to judge the living and dead when that time arrives.
We sing it don’t we? “He is Lord above the universe, He is Lord of all who live. He is Lord above the heaven and earth, all praise to him we give!” & “Majesty, worship his majesty, unto Jesus be all glory, honor, and praise.” Jesus was not only truly human, but also truly divine.
III. Conclusion – What does all this mean for us? Well, because Jesus is who he is…
1. He gives comfort in a way that no one else can. – John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid.”
2. He sets the way clear – John 14:6
“No one comes to the Father, but by me.”
3. He acts as the intercessor, the High Priest, with the Father who created. – Hebrews 8:1-6
Because he is both truly divine and truly human, Hebrews 7:25 says “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” And in 8:6 we see that “He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.”
Since Jesus is truly human and truly divine, we can take comfort in that he’s experienced everything that we’ve experienced and more, to the point of giving up his life so that we may share our eternal lives with him.
He gives us comfort…he sets the way clear…he acts as our intercessor...and so much more as the one who was truly human and truly divine.
Will you join me in prayer?
Dear Jesus,
In the life of a newborn baby…in the love of a parent…in the sacrifice of a relative…in the concern of a friend…in the death of a loved one…in all personal suffering…we see your humanity.
In the creation of the world, in the image and likeness of God, in the Great “I AM”, in the Word made flesh, in the atoning death on the cross, in the resurrection into life eternal…we see that you are truly divine.
Help us, O Lord to search for your comfort. Help us, to follow your way. Help us, as you use your experiences here on this earth to intercede and mediate on our behalf.
Help us, Lord, even in the midst of our beliefs and doubts, to accept you as you are. Even though you are divine in every way, you took the nature of a human servant, so that we may find our strength and our hope in you.
Even in these days, when war rages, poverty swells, economies falter, and sin grows across the land, help us to rely upon you as the true source of salvation.
Help us to set our minds on things above, so that we may be found faithful.
In the name of Christ we pray…Amen.
#363 – And Can it Be
Closing Blessing –
As we leave this place,
May we go with the hope and strength of our Creator.
May the one who is both human and divine, be our Redeemer.
And may the one who both sustains and convicts, be our Guide.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.
NOTE: If you did not find this sermon helpful, please contact me (gb@clergy.net) and tell me why. I appreciate everyone’s advice. Thanks.
