Firm Foundation: Building Your Life on the Unshakable Truth of God's WordSample

Jesus Christ: The Incarnation

Read: John 1:1-14; Philippians 2:6-11

SOAP: John 1:14; Philippians 2:6-7

“Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory—the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.” John 1:14

“who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature.” Philippians 2:6-7

Into the Text

Have you ever wondered how Jesus, who is fully God, also became fully human? John 1:14 shows us that the eternal Word, Jesus Christ, chose to become human and live among us, bringing with Him the fullness of God's grace and truth.

Understanding that Jesus is both fully God and fully man is crucial to our faith. Jesus did not give up all or parts of His deity to become human. Rather, He added a human nature. This theological concept is called the hypostatic union.

This profound truth means that Jesus, as the Second Person of the Trinity, shares the same essence as God the Father. He is not just similar to God; He is God (John 1:1-3).

Yet, Jesus is also truly human. He felt hunger, thirst, fatigue, and all the other aspects of human life while He was on earth. Because of His human nature, He fully understands our struggles and can empathize with our weaknesses. It also allows Him to stand as the substitute payment for our sin. Moreover, it is His divine nature that enables His death and resurrection to cover the sins of all humanity. Both natures are essential to His personhood.

The incarnation is more than a theological concept; it's a truth that impacts our daily lives. Since Jesus is fully God, we can trust in His power and authority. Since He is fully man, we can relate to Him personally. He bridges the gap between humanity and divinity, allowing us to have a deep relationship with God.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for becoming one of us, for leaving the glory of heaven to walk among us. May I draw closer to you, trusting in your power and relating to you personally. In your name, Amen.