Jesus is fully God. But what does it mean for Him to be fully man too?
Listen as Susie welcomes back John Eldredge of Ransomed Heart Ministries. We spend some time unpacking the humanity of Jesus, and what it means that He was able to sympathize with our weaknesses.
John is zealous for people to meet and walk with Jesus as He is. He points out that too often, we try to “push Jesus into stained-glass windows” and make him “religious” and when we do that, we forget that He came to be accessible. Yes, Jesus was fully God, but He embraced humanity too. He slept. He was thirsty. He got tired. He had an earthly family. How amazing is it that the Creator entered into His creation?
John also points out Jesus’ ferocity. He writes that Jesus was “frequently embroiled in conflict,” but that it only came when He dealt with people who thought they didn’t need Him. He embraced those who were marginalized and rejected, including the Samaritan woman at the well. In Susie’s words, Jesus was “content to be misunderstood” if it meant reaching out to those who would truly follow Him. He submitted Himself to culture only to turn it on its head.
Jesus was also playful. In John 21, for example, Jesus’ disciples decide to go fishing in the aftermath of the crucifixion. Unknown to them, Jesus appears on the shore and is watching them. He calls out and asks if they’ve caught anything – a glimpse of humor, as he recalls their first meeting. The disciples, at His suggestion, throw the net on the other side of the boat. The net fills with fish, and the disciples instantly, joyfully recognize their Messiah!
This Easter, remember that Jesus walked as one of us. He died so that we could reconcile to Him. He is our great High Priest. Our friend closer than a brother. Our Beautiful Outlaw.
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 2:14; John 4:5-42; John 21:1-14
Theme Song: Man of Sorrows by Hillsong
