Jesus – God and Man

Jesus – God and Man

Jesus walked the earth as a man, as a humble servant of God.

Phil 2:4-8

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

But did this mean that he was just a common ordinary guy, like you and I?

The prophet Isaiah didn’t think so concerning the infant Jesus

Matt 1:22-23

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The doctors of the law didn’t think so concerning the youth Jesus

Luke 2:46-47

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

John the baptizer didn’t think so when Jesus came to be baptized

Matt 3:13-14

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

John 1:29

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Satan who tempted Jesus didn’t think so – he tried to get Jesus to use his powers of deity to satisfy the flesh

Matt 4:1-4

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Comment – Some reason from a human standpoint that Jesus, having the powers of deity, would give him an advantage over us. The opposite is true. The devil tried to tempt Jesus, recognizing he had the powers of deity, to try to get him to use them for selfish ends. What if we had the power to read minds as did Jesus?

Matt 12:24-25

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. 25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

Jesus used that power for good, not evil. In the wrong hands there very well could be a temptation to use it to gain an advantage over your opponent, like at poker, for instance.

The people who heard Jesus teach didn’t think so

Matt 7:28-29

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

The Jewish detractors who heard him didn’t think so

John 7:14-15

Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. 15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

The officers sent to take him didn’t think so

John 7:45-46

Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

The disciples in the ship with Jesus certainly didn’t think so

Mark 4:37-41

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 9 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Peter, James and John saw Jesus on the mount of transfiguration and came to the conclusion that Jesus was not a common ordinary guy, like you and I, and his majesty and glory far exceeded that of even Moses and Elijah

Luke 9:28-35

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. 33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. 34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. 35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

2 Peter 1:16-18

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

The Roman centurion who crucified Jesus didn’t think so

Mark 15:39

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

The disciple named Thomas certainly didn’t think so

John 20:26-29

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

1. Jesus came to earth as God manifested in the flesh

1 Tim 3:16

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

He was the brightness of the glory of God and the express image of his person

Heb 1:1-3

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

He was all the fullness of deity bodily

Col 2:8-9

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Jesus told his disciple Phillip that if he had seen Jesus he had seen the Father

John 14:7-11

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

When we see Jesus we see the Father. In what way? Like the Father in spirit.

2. Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees

The Jews had no concept as to who Jesus really was as he walked on the earth, just as today most people have no concept as to the nature of Jesus. So Jesus tried to challenge their thinking.

Matt 22:41-46

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. 43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, 44 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? 45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? 46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

Were the Pharisees correct in their answer? Yes. (Ps 132:10-11) Was Jesus correct in his response? Yes. (Ps 110:1) Did the Pharisees have any answer to Jesus as to how this could be? No. Paul declared Jesus to be the son of David according to the flesh (Rom 1:1-4); What event led to Jesus’ confirmation as the Son of God with power? The resurrection (Romans 1:4) When was Jesus declared to be Lord and Christ? After the resurrection (Acts 2:29-36).

3. The angel Gabriel was sent by God to Mary of Nazareth (announcing the upcoming birth of the Son of God)

Luke 1:31-35

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Jesus was the son of David, being the “son of man” (David’s son), and he was David’s Lord, being the “Son of God” (God’s son). Jesus was the son of David through the lineage of the virgin Mary and his legal father Joseph (Matt 1 & Luke 3). Why is Jesus in Luke 1:31-35 called the Son of God? Because that’s what he was.

4. In a dream to Joseph, Jesus’ name was to be called Emmanuel (meaning God with us)

Matt 1:20-23

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Emmanuel means “God with us.” What else do the Scriptures say about Jesus being deity, being God (deity)? (John 1:1-3&14, 8:56-59; 1 Tim 3:16; Titus 2:11-13; Heb 1:1-3, 8-12)

5. Jesus, as the Son of God in bodily form, had all the powers and attributes of deity.

Col 2:8-9

Jesus came into the world as God manifested in the flesh (John 1:1-14, 1 Tim 3:16), but he took the role of a humble servant of God to do God’s will.

Phil 2:5-8

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

As the Son of God he did not always choose to personally exercise his powers of deity. Jesus said he had the power over life and death (John 10:17-18), but he submitted to God’s power for his crucifixion and resurrection (Acts 2:32, 4:10, 10:40, 13:30, 13:37). In Matt 12:25-28 he worked through the Spirit of God to cast out devils. Why would he defer to the power of God? He did whenever necessary to maintain his role as a servant of God. Did he ever let his divine side show through? (Matt 17:1-2, Rev 1:16)

6. As a child Jesus grew strong in spirit and increased in wisdom (Luke 1:80; Luke 2:40,52).

This was done that in all things he might be made like unto his brethren (Heb 2:17).

Heb 2:16-18

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Being God with the attributes of deity, Jesus does not change (Heb 13:8; Mal 3:6). He was God manifested in the flesh, having infinite wisdom and power (Colossians 2:2-3).

Living and growing up as a child, Jesus experienced life as a child would experience it. In developing as a child he experienced this development. But remember, Jesus does not change.

Heb 13:8-9

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. 9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

Jesus, who changes not, to allow himself to experience growth in wisdom and spirit as a child (Luke 2:40,52), placed his divine attributes in the background. Remember, with God nothing is impossible (Mark 14:36).

Then living in adulthood as a man, he experienced life as a man would experience it. He allowed himself to experience temptation and obedience as a man would experience it (Heb 4:15, Heb 5:8-9). Yet he was without sin.

As God, having created man, he knew and understood the nature of man and the trials of the flesh beforehand, but now having lived on earth as a man he not only knew it but experienced it. Like a medical examiner who knows what accidents do to people, and then is in an accident and actually lives through the experience firsthand. And in so doing, Jesus became fully qualified to serve as mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5-6).

7. Jesus did many wonderful works to prove his Sonship, that we might believe that he is the Son of God).

John 20:30-31

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Turned water into wine at the wedding feast (John 2:1-11)

Healed nobleman’s son of a fever (John 4:46-54)

Healed a man impotent in his feet for 38 years (John 5:1-9))

Commanded the winds and the waves to cease (Matt 8:26-27)

Knew the thoughts of others (Matt 12:25, Luke 6:8)

Fed 5000 with 5 barley loaves and 2 small fishes (John 6:1-13)

Walked on water to disciples in a ship (John 6:16-21)

Healed a man born blind (John 9:1-7)

Raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38-44)

Jesus said he had four testimonies as to his Sonship. What are they? (John 5:31-40).

8. The Jews realized the significance of Jesus calling God his father, and claiming oneness with him.

What was that significance? (John 10:30-33)

9. And the devil knew the significance of the term “Son of God” (one who possessed the attributes of God) and challenged Jesus to prove his Son-ship by using the power of God to work a miracle for his own fleshly needs.

Luke 4:1-3

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

In this case why would it have been a sin for Jesus to turn stones into bread?

10. Jesus accepted worship (Matt 8:2, 9:18, 14:33, 15:25, 28:9, 28:17; Mark 5:6; Luke 24:52; John 9:38,20:28) which only God can do (Acts 10:25-26, 14:11-15; Rev 19:10, 22:8-9).

What does that tell us about the nature of Jesus?

Jesus was all the fullness of the godhead bodily (Col 2:9). Don’t need any further proof that Jesus lived as both God and man, the Son of God.

We should acknowledge him, love him, and serve him with all our love and might as our Savior, Lord and Master.

Allan Martin