Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine of the Incarnation holds that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. One of the ways Scripture affirms His genuine humanity is through instances where Jesus exhibits human characteristics, such as sleeping. This aspect of His human nature is significant as it underscores His participation in the full range of human experience, including physical limitations and needs.Biblical Instances of Jesus Sleeping One of the most notable instances of Jesus sleeping is found in the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 4:35-38 , we read: "That day, when evening came, He said to His disciples, 'Let us go across to the other side.' After they had dismissed the crowd, they took Him along, since He was already in the boat. And there were other boats with Him. Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?'" This passage highlights Jesus' physical exhaustion after a day of teaching and ministering to the crowds. His need for rest and sleep is a clear indication of His human nature. Despite the storm, Jesus' ability to sleep demonstrates His trust in the Father's providence, yet it also affirms His genuine human need for physical rest. Theological Implications The fact that Jesus slept is a profound testament to His humanity. In His incarnation, He took on human flesh and all its accompanying frailties, including the need for sleep. This aspect of His life serves as a reminder that He fully entered into the human condition, experiencing the same physical needs and limitations as any other person. Theologically, Jesus' ability to sleep also emphasizes His role as the perfect mediator between God and humanity. By fully embracing human nature, He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin"). His experience of human fatigue and the need for rest underscores His genuine participation in the human experience, making Him the perfect representative and intercessor for humanity. Christ's Humanity and Our Rest The image of Jesus sleeping during the storm also serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual rest and trust in God. While His physical need for sleep affirms His humanity, His peaceful rest amidst chaos invites believers to find rest in Him. In Matthew 11:28 , Jesus extends an invitation: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." His own experience of human weariness and rest provides a model for believers to follow, encouraging them to trust in God's sovereignty and find peace in His presence. In summary, the instances of Jesus sleeping in the Gospels are not merely anecdotal but are deeply theological, affirming His true humanity and His role as the Savior who fully understands and participates in the human condition. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 8:24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, so that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 4:38 Library The New Nature Death and Life in Christ The School of Obedience Proofs that the Union was Without Confusion. Christ Stills the Storm on the Lake of Galilee. Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... Oh, How He Loves! St John the Baptist The Third Theological Oration. Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever ... Resources What is human nature? What does the Bible say about human nature? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible teach about human trafficking? | GotQuestions.org Would a human clone have a soul? | GotQuestions.org Human: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being a Man of Sorrows The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Buffeted The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Nailed to the Cross The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Scourged The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Subject to Weariness The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Birth The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Burial The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Circumcision The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Conception in the Virgin's Womb The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Death The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Enduring Indignities The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Having a Human Soul The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Hungering The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Increase in Wisdom and Stature The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Partaking of Flesh and Blood The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Resurrection The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Side Being Pierced The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Sleeping The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Thirsting The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Weeping The Human Nature of Christ was Like Our own in all Things Except Sin The Human Nature of Christ was Necessary to his Mediatorial office The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of Abraham The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of David The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of The Woman The Human Nature of Christ was Submitted to the Evidence of the Senses The Human Nature of Christ was Without Sin The Human Nature of Christ: Acknowledged by Men The Human Nature of Christ: Attested by Himself The Human Nature of Christ: Confession of, a Test of Belonging to God The Human Nature of Christ: Denied by Antichrist The Human Nature of Christ: Genealogy of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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