If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
Jesus is completely human. He had no advantage over us in the challenges of life. He was tempted as we are tempted, He suffered as we suffer, He was tired, He laughed, He cried. His example is relevant because it shows what is possible for us.
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Bible Zone
The Bible zone looks at four passages that examine Jesus’ humanity.
- Jesus became man - Jesus is fully human to identify with us, His brothers.
- Jesus our representative - Jesus is our High priest, tempted as we are as man.
- Jesus in weakness - Jesus demonstrated weakness like any other man.
- Jesus in faith - In going to the cross Jesus demonstrated faith.
Jesus became Man
Jesus’ humanity is seen in Hebrews 2:14-18
- What indications in the text are there of Jesus becoming completely human?
- What benefits were gained by His becoming human?
- In what way did Jesus’ humanity show in weakness?
Hebrews 2:14-18 14 Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had* the power of death.15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham.17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters,* so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
Having become human, Jesus can represent us fully before God. Hebrews 4:14-17
- Why is Jesus’ humanity essential for His priesthood?
- How could someone be tempted without sin?
- What does Jesus bring to us from heaven to help us in our weakness?
Hebrews 4:14-17 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Jesus’ weakness was real and experienced as we see in this passage - John 4:5-9.
- What was Jesus’ physical state in this passage?
- What motivated Jesus to ask for a drink?
John 4:5-9 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.6 Jacob's well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime.7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink."8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.
9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans.* She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?"
Jesus exercised faith just as we are called upon to have faith. He had no advantages over us in His relationship with His Father, otherwise He could not have been tempted as we are. Hebrews 12:1-3
- What challenges did Jesus have to overcome to demonstrate faith?
- What hope enabled Jesus to endure to the end in faith?
- How are we encouraged to live in the light of Jesus’ example?
Hebrews 12:1-3 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.* Because of the joy* awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;* then you won't become weary and give up.
JESUS THE MAN
