The humanity of Jesus
by Faye Schmidt
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For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way … that he might make atonement for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17).
Read Hebrews 2:11–18
I wonder what kind of god you would create if you were invited to participate in a working group to develop a new religion. Would it be a remote being, untainted by the things that impact our lives? Would it be a god that we can place on a shelf and just bring into our consciousness as and when it suits us?
For many people coming to Christianity, one of the hardest facts to accept is that Jesus is both God and man. ‘Fully human in every way’, the writer of Hebrews says. There was no aspect of humanity that he did not experience. We know from the Scriptures that Jesus was born of a woman, slept, ate, wept, was tempted, experienced joy, had friends, felt grief, suffered pain – and died.
It is at the cross that we confront both the humanity and the godhead of Jesus. It is as a man he hangs on the cross, bleeding, body twisted in pain, crying out in anguish. But this man is also our God. With the words ‘it is finished’, Jesus affirms that he is God.
We go through our lives wondering about our purpose, whether we have achieved anything or made any mark. What really is the meaning of our life, we wonder?
Only God can know that the plan from creation for our salvation has been finished. On the cross, Jesus is the high priest in sacrificial service to God, atoning for our sins. From the beginning, he knew the purpose for which he came among us.
We should never shirk from bringing any aspect of our lives to God. This is the privilege we have through Jesus as he intercedes for us and brings us peace.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for sending your Son as atonement for our sins. Send your Holy Spirit so that I may live my life with the confidence and assurance that my purpose is to worship, praise and serve you in thanksgiving. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Victoria–Tasmania District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer. She has a heart for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
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