ADVENT INCARNATION: WHAT DOES JESUS’ HUMANITY MEAN TODAY?

The role in which Jesus serves us today in his humanity is often overlooked.  Yes, our God became incarnate and emptied himself to become of servant and to die in humility.  But that is not the end significance of Jesus humanity.  I will circle around to this point.

I love the story of the father who brought demon-possessed son to Jesus’ disciples and they failed to heal him (Mark 9:14 – 29).  They then brought the boy and his father to Jesus, and the father said,

“But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
“’If you can,’” said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes."
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
(Mk. 9:22-23 NIV)

The father made a request or prayer to Jesus, basically saying, "I am trusting!  Help my insufficient, or weak, trust!"  This father is modeling a prayer for us today, one that Jesus will answer – on the basis of his humanity, his vicarious humanity.  Here are four key texts from Hebrew with a focus on Jesus’ humanity.

(Hebrews 2:17-18) For this reason he (Jesus) had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.  Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

(Hebrews 4:15-16) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

(Hebrews 5:7-10) During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.  Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

(Hebrews 7:23-26) Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.  Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.  Such a high priest meets our need-- one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

First Point:  In his humanity, Jesus was and still is our high priest.  The priest represented the people before God.  The priest interceded for the people before God.  And, although Jesus offered a sacrifice once for all, these texts make clear that He was not a one-time priest; He continues in the role of high priest, interceding for us.  And does so on the basis of His humanity.  Jesus’ perfect human life makes him the perfect high priest and intercessor, because He was tempted in all ways human, but remained holy.

Background to second point:  Participation Theology
Over and over, the Bible teaches participation theology.  Not only do we participate in the life of Jesus, but that He participates in our lives.  Supporting texts:

·        John 14-15: unity with Jesus through the Holy Spirit, “Abide in me and I will abide in you….” (John 15:4)  “ I am the vine, you are the branches” (15:5)

·        Being filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18) and walking in the Spirit.

·        United with Jesus in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:5)

·        Raised with Christ and living in Christ (Col 3:1 – 4).

Second Point:  Jesus is with us to help us in our weakness of faith.  Jesus is there to believe in us, with us, for us, and through us.  He is “able to help those who are being tempted” “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  So, too, brothers and sisters in Christ are there to believe for each other.  We one Body in Christ.  Therefore, when we are weak in faith, we can cry out to Jesus, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"  Jesus, who understands our humanity, is there to intercede for us.  And, our brothers and sisters in Christ, are also there to believe for us when we cannot.

Lord, Jesus, thank you that you became incarnate and became a high priest.  Thank you that in your humanity, you intercede still as my high priest.  Help me with my unbelief.  Amen.