NCC 22

Question 22 Why must the Redeemer be truly human?

That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin; and also that he might sympathize with our weaknesses.

1. How do we know that Jesus was fully human?

a. He was physically born. Luke 2:5-7

i. But what was unique about this birth?

ii. Some doubt the virgin birth. Why? Because it is not humanly possible. But I kinda of think that is part of the point. Jesus had to be born of a virgin to fulfill prophecy (Matt 1:18-25). Scriptures gives no other reason why this had to happen. This was to be the most unique birth in all of history, a birth that fulfilled prophecy about God coming to live on earth with us in bodily form, a birth that occurred with no human father. Is it hard to believe? It can be. But the Scriptures say that God is all-powerful. The Scriptures teach that God created the universe and that by His very will and power the entire universe is literally held to together (Col 1:16-17). If He ceased this sustaining work for just one second, the entire universe would literally fall apart. Is it really that hard to believethat God chose to work a miracle in Mary and for Jesus to be born without a human father?

b. He had a childhood. Luke 2:39-52

c. He had human feelings and emotions

i. He had compassion. Matt 9:36

ii. He got angry. Mark 3:5

d. He had human needs

i. He got tired. John 4:6

ii. He got hungry. Matt 4:2

e. He physically died. John 19:30-34

2. What are the implications that Jesus was fully man?

a. He was tempted in His humanity and thus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Mat 4:1-11; Heb 4:15)

3. What are the implications if Jesus was not fully man?

a. He could not have been our perfect substitute if He was not a man. We needed a perfect human sacrifice if God’s wrath was to be satisfied. Otherwise the sheep would do the trick. Heb 10:4-14

Hebrews 2:5–18 ESV

5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, 8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.