Christ embodies God’s humanity

Hennie Symington

                                    He always had the nature of God,

                            but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God.

                                Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had,

                            and took the nature of a servant.

                                He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7

The qualities of love and wisdom which are in us and make us truly human emanate from God. We are human in a true sense when we reflect God’s image and likeness into the world around us. It is therefore important to reflect on the “humanity of God” as it is embodied in Christ.

What sort of person was Christ? What does the Bible tell us of his humanity? What was he like as a fellow human being? How did he treat other human beings? How was God present in Jesus' humanity?

From many statements in the New Testament, it is clear that Jesus was an extremely human person, just as human as we are.

He got angry and upset at hypocrisy and pettiness: Jesus was angry as he looked round at them, but at the same time he felt sorry for them, because they were so stubborn and wrong. Mark 3:5

But Jesus gave a deep groan and said, “Why do the people of this day ask for a miracle? No, I tell you! No such proof will be given to these people!”(Mark 8:12

He needed rest: Jesus was in the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a pillow. Mark 4:38

He was profoundly moved when the unnamed woman anointed his head with oil at the moment when his “bitter cup” was being prepared: But Jesus said, “Leave her alone! Why are you bothering her? She has done a fine and beautiful thing for me. ..... She did what she could; she poured perfume on my body to prepare it ahead of time for burial. Now, I assure you that wherever the gospel is preached all over the world, what she has done will be told in memory of her. Mark 14:1-8.

He felt abandoned: Then he returned and found the three disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Weren't you able to stay awake even for one hour?” Mark 14:37.

 He experienced deep anguish: With a loud cry Jesus died. Mark 15:37

Prayer: O Lord, our pain was your pain multiplied a thousand times and more. You took our suffering upon you even before your crucifixion and even to this day. We thank you Lord for your immense love and mercy.