Sermon Central
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Truly Human, Truly Divine Series
Contributed by Greg Buchner on Mar 24, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: This is the third sermon in a Lenten Series based on Ron Lavin’s book, "I Believe, Help My Unbelief" on the Apostle’s Creed. In this sermon, we find comfort and true peace in Jesus Christ because he, being both human and divine, experienced all the sin an
“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.
