Christ ‘s Humanity

Christ was fully human. His time on Earth was not only about divine revelation but also about highlighting the immense value of humanity. This truth is essential to our understanding of God’s plan for us, emphasising our significance in His creation.

God’s original purpose was that the Earth would be governed by a human being. This is evident from the very beginning when God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Genesis 1:26). This reminds us of the unique role and responsibility bestowed upon us. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, artificial intelligence, and radical scientific advancements, it is crucial to return to the simplicity of this divine intention. We must strive to be the humans as God created us to be.

Remaining human, as God intended, is a challenge in our modern world. The first humans, Adam and Eve, deviated from God’s plan by succumbing to the serpent’s temptation, aspiring to be like God. “But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’” (Genesis 3:4-5). This departure led to the loss of a vital spiritual dimension, leaving humanity confined to the limitations of the five physical senses.

However, the new birth through Christ offers a restoration of this spiritual capacity. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). This new birth liberates us from the prison of our five senses, enabling us to reconnect with the mind of the spirit (nous or meta-cognitive -Rom 8:27, 12:2) and supernatural aspects of our being. This change is a return to the full humanity God intended, allowing us to walk closely with Him.

Jesus Christ exemplified what it means to remain human. Through His kenosis, He emptied Himself of divine privileges to fully embrace humanity (Phil 2:4-7). We see this vividly when Jesus, wearied from His journey, sat by a well and asked a Samaritan woman for water: “A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink’” (John 4:7). Despite being the Son of God, He experienced human thirst and fatigue. This act of humility is a powerful lesson in resisting pride and maintaining our humanity. By acting against Himself, Jesus demonstrated how to live as a touchable, relatable human being, fulfilling God’s design.

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well provides a profound insight into our human condition. Jesus approached her not with divine superiority, but with a profound understanding of her humanity. He said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again” (John 4:13-14). He addressed her deepest needs, pointing her towards a relationship with the Father. This interaction underscores the importance of discovering and embracing our humanity in the context of our relationship with God.

The message of Christ’s humanity is clear: to be truly human is to align ourselves with God’s original intention. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). The new birth through Christ equips us to walk with God in a restored humanity, fulfilling our role in His creation. By remaining humble, resisting pride, and embracing our human limitations, we can live as God intended.

God’s love for humanity is evident in His continuous efforts to prepare us for our ultimate purpose: to rule, govern, and inherit the Earth. “And you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10). This truth calls us to appreciate and embrace our humanity, recognising its significance in God’s divine plan.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us be encouraged by the example of Christ. He showed us that being fully human is not a limitation but a divine calling. By embracing our humanity, we can fulfil the role God has designed for us, living in harmony with His purpose.

Remember, our humanity is a gift from God, meant to reflect His glory and accomplish His will on Earth. “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour” (Psalm 8:4-5). Let us strive to live as humans, fully and authentically, in accordance with God’s original and beautiful intention.

Kay Alli