QUESTION: Why must the Redeemer be truly human?
ANSWER: That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin; and also that he might sympathize with our weaknesses.
ANSWER: That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin; and also that he might sympathize with our weaknesses.
WARM-UP
Our culture often considers ways that we can access God or the spiritual world. How do you think different people groups look to access the spiritual world? For those who aren’t considering access to the spiritual world, what activities do we use to block out the spiritual world?
WORD
BIG IDEA
READ
Our culture often considers ways that we can access God or the spiritual world. How do you think different people groups look to access the spiritual world? For those who aren’t considering access to the spiritual world, what activities do we use to block out the spiritual world?
WORD
BIG IDEA
- Jesus Christ was truly and fully human. But unlike Adam, he lived a life without sin in complete alignment with his Father.
- By putting on flesh, Christ was able to pay the debt for all humans. Jesus became human to experience death and died in our place.
- By becoming human, God reunited the relationship between the spiritual world and the physical world.
- The modern world doesn’t give us the resources to access the spiritual world like a physical and spiritual God.
- Jesus first defeats death, then serves as a priest and mediator between humans and God.
- Animal sacrifices in the Old Testament purified the flesh, the mess that humans make, the outward appearance or relations between people. On the contrary, Jesus' sacrifice purifies the heart and leads to permanent heart change (Hebrews 9: 11-14).
READ
Hebrews 2:14-18
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
WATCH/LISTEN
OLD SELF
NEW SELF
Through Jesus, we can experience true humanity, transcendence, and the spiritual world.
WORLD
Pay attention this week to areas where you see the separation of the spiritual and the physical world. How could Jesus address these issues?
PRAYER
Faithful High Priest, you were tempted in every way as we are, yet you remained perfect in your obedience. Thank you that you know our weakness. Keep us from excusing or denying our sinfulness. We joyfully accept your exchange. Amen.
- What are the leading forces in your life that drive the separation between you and God? Between the spiritual world and the physical world?
- What about our culture? What drives this separation?
NEW SELF
Through Jesus, we can experience true humanity, transcendence, and the spiritual world.
- What does it mean for us to live in a broken world, where sin exists, and have access to God through the humanity & work of Jesus?
- We can also relate to others in a new way because Christ died for us. What does this mean for the forgiveness that we are now able to offer others?
- It can transform our justice ethic as well. How does the work of Jesus affect the culture at large? How should the church respond to areas of injustice in the world around us? Why?
WORLD
Pay attention this week to areas where you see the separation of the spiritual and the physical world. How could Jesus address these issues?
PRAYER
Faithful High Priest, you were tempted in every way as we are, yet you remained perfect in your obedience. Thank you that you know our weakness. Keep us from excusing or denying our sinfulness. We joyfully accept your exchange. Amen.