We
often think about and refer to the divinity of Jesus, the part of Him that is
equal to God (Philippians 2:6); however, we rarely consider the humanity of
Jesus, and what He actually experienced as a man on this earth. We think of His
humanity as insulated, isolated and protected by His divinity.
However,
many scriptures refute this supposition. Although the entire world was made by
Him (Hebrews 1:2), when Jesus lived on earth, the world did not recognize His divine
power, wisdom, authority and position.
He
was not handsome or physically remarkable in any way, He was a man of troubles
and acquainted with misery, He was not esteemed or given His rightful honor. He
took our weaknesses and carried our sorrows, and people assumed that He was
stricken and afflicted by God (Isaiah 53:2-4).
During
His earthly existence, Jesus cried out to God with prayers, entreaties and
tears. Although God heard Him, because of His reverence for our Father, He created
the humanity of Jesus for the very purpose of carrying for us the punishment
for our own sins (Hebrews 5:7).
Many
Old Testament prophecies attested to the fact of His coming, as well as His sacrifices
for us, from infancy to adulthood. Jesus was actually despised and rejected by
others (Psalm 22:6). Even His own family, friends, and community did not
receive Him as their Savior until after His resurrection (John 1:1, 10).
Jesus
actually learned obedience through the things that He suffered, just like we
do. Although His divinity was already perfect, His humanity was made perfect in
order for Him to become the source of eternal redemption for anyone who
believes in, trusts in and obeys Him (Hebrews 5:8-9).
When
the Magi came to Herod to inquire about the new ruler's birth, Herod summoned the
religious leaders of the Jews to find out what they knew about this. Due to
prophecy, the Jewish men even knew where He would be born (Matthew 2:1-9).
Although
they had this wonderful opportunity to do so, they did not seek Him. As is true
about Jesus' lifetime on the earth, the world still ignores and rejects Him -
in fact, this occurs more and more in these final days before His imminent
return for His Bride (Matthew 24:12).
Prayer:
Father
God, it is an eye-opening thought to realize that many rejected Jesus during
His lifetime, and were appalled by Him (Isaiah 52:14). Remind us that our
individual sin - our pride, rebellion, and desire to satiate our fleshly
impulses - caused You to have to crush our Lord and cause Him to suffer in our
place. He was disfigured beyond recognition, and marred beyond any human
likeness through the persecution prior to His crucifixion (Isaiah 53:5).
Yet,
no one took Jesus life from Him, but He willingly laid it down by His own
decision (John 10:18). Due to His obedience, You will give Him many adopted
siblings, prolong His days, and prosper Him at His second coming (Isaiah 53:10;
Philippians 2:8). Teach us to have this same devotion to You, through Christ in
us (Colossians 1:27). We want to serve you both now and throughout eternity.
Thought
for the Day:
Although
people mocked Jesus and sneered at Him and whole nations abhor Him, even as
they do now, upon His second coming, princes will rise from their thrones and
bow down to King Jesus, because He was faithful, and chosen by God as the Holy
One of Israel (Psalm 22:7; Isaiah 49:7).
