Dictionary of Bible Themes: 2033 Jesus Christ, humanity of

2033 Jesus Christ, humanity of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 2000 Jesus Christ » 2003 Jesus Christ, qualities of » 2006 God, the Son » 2033 Jesus Christ, humanity of

Scripture stresses the total humanity of Jesus Christ. Although sinless, Christ shared in the general condition of humanity, including suffering and death.

Jesus Christ was a man

By his own claims

John 8:40 See also Matthew 8:20 pp Luke 9:58

In statements made by others

John 19:5 See also Matthew 8:27; Mark 15:39 pp Luke 23:47 the centurion; Luke 15:2 the Pharisees and teachers of the law; Luke 23:18; John 1:33; John 4:42; John 7:12,15 some Jews; John 7:27; John 9:33; John 11:47; Acts 2:22-23

Jesus Christ shared in the general condition of humanity

He assumed human nature

John 1:14 “flesh” here speaks not only of a material body but also of human nature. See also Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 4:2

He had a human descent

He had a normal body which could be handled and touched

He had a soul

Matthew 26:38 pp Mark 14:34 See also Isaiah 53:11

Jesus Christ partook of human experience

He was born

Galatians 4:4 See also Luke 2:6-7

He grew and developed

Luke 2:40,52

He was hungry

Matthew 21:18 pp Mark 11:12 See also Matthew 4:2 pp Luke 4:2

He was thirsty

John 19:28 See also John 4:7

He was tired

John 4:6

He slept

See also Matthew 8:24 pp Mark 4:38 pp Luke 8:23

He was tempted

Hebrews 2:18 See also Matthew 4:1 pp Mark 1:13 pp Luke 4:2; Hebrews 4:15

He suffered

1 Peter 4:1 See also Colossians 1:22; Hebrews 5:7-8; Hebrews 10:10; 1 Peter 2:24

He died

Matthew 27:50 pp Mark 15:37 pp Luke 23:46 pp John 19:30 Jesus Christ most closely identified with the rest of humanity through his death. However Jesus Christ is distinct from human beings in that his death was an act of free will and not the inevitable consequence of sin (see Jn 10:17-18). See also Hebrews 2:9,14

The risen Christ has human characteristics

Luke 24:37-43 See also John 20:27

The returning Christ retains his human identity

Acts 1:11

Jesus Christ was a sinless human being

Hebrews 4:15 Sinlessness does not make Jesus Christ less human. It is sin that degrades humanity. See also Luke 23:41,47; Hebrews 7:26

The necessity of Jesus Christ's humanity

As a man Jesus Christ made atonement for sin

Romans 5:18-19 See also Romans 5:12-17; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17

As a man Jesus Christ gives the gift of resurrection

1 Corinthians 15:21 See also 1 Corinthians 15:45; Philippians 3:20-21

As a man Jesus Christ is able to help others in their need

Hebrews 2:18 See also Hebrews 4:15-5:2

As a man Jesus Christ is the perfect example

Philippians 2:5-8