“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-3,14) Jesus, the creator of the universe, steps onto our planet and shares in the flesh of his creation.
The incarnation of the Son of God is significant within the purposes of God. The Apostle Paul puts it like this, “In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself” (2Cor 5:19). Graeme Goldsworthy says of its significance, “The incarnation of God is at the very centre of the gospel event by which God restores the true relationship between himself and the human race” (ATP, 264). In the incarnation Jesus shows himself to be: the true and living God; the true people of God; and the true Temple of God.
- Jesus is the True and Living God – Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus makes some bold claims about His identity, He claims to be God (John 8:58, 10:30-33). In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus claims to be able to do that which only God can do, namely, forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7). The early church recognised the deity of Jesus (Php 2:5-7; Col 1:16-17, 2:9; Tit 2:13).
- Jesus is the True People of God – Throughout Jesus’ life and ministry, He is able to do what Adam and Israel failed to do. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus is shown to be: the true Son of God (called out of Egpyt, Matt 2:15); the true Israel (resisting temptation, Matt 4:1-11) and King David’s greatest Son (Matt 21:9). Elsewhere, Jesus is the final Adam (Rom 5:19; 1 Cor 15:45); the Seed of Abraham (Gal 3:16); and the true Prophet (Luke 4:16-24).
- Jesus is the True Temple – Throughout the Old Testament, people would come to meet God at the tabernacle or the temple. Jesus is “God with us” (Matt 1:21), he is the true tabernacle and/or temple. In John 2:13-22, Jesus speaks of his own body as the temple that will be destroyed and then rebuilt after 3 days. It’s getting late and I want to go to bed… so here’s Goldy’s summarising quote: “Jesus Christ is the new temple and embodies the new created order. He is the regeneration of all things in himself.” (Look up ATP pp.268-269 for Bible quotes).
pic from here
This is helpful for Thursday, thanks!
I’ve been thinking a little about imitating Jesus in the incarnation through how we do ministry. How much to we dwell amongst those who we bring the word to?
I think it is a great example to follow, but I am also wondering how far we take it. I have friends who want to work with people in the slums in India, and are pondering the validity of becoming poor like those in the slums. What do you gain from doing this? What could you lose?
there are lots of debates on this one!!!
some would say that people take this one too far… and they only ever ‘be Jesus’ among the people and never really proclaim him.
graham stanton will be speaking at the upcoming ‘theology of youth ministry conference on how the atonement is a better model/paradigm/motif for ministry as opposed to incarnation. (at least… i think that’s where he’s going with it)
geoff- you should come!
when is this conference you speak of? How do I get tix?
Hopefully the two need not be in opposition with one another. I see real benefit in imitating the incarnation in our ministry of the gospel.
info here