GID1 Chapter 1 - Jesus is Fully Human
The Bible records the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ. The original eye-witness accounts of his life are recorded in four "gospels" (literally "good news") which came to be included in the canon of the New Testament. He was no disembodied spirit nor angelic being. His purpose was to be the redeemer of all mankind. (This will be explored further in the chapter following). The fact of his humanity bridges the gulf between God and man. Let us explore more of who this person Jesus was like. A sample answer is given for Question 1.
His Birth
In Matthew 1:18, what do we know about Jesus' family?
Sample answer:
Jesus' earthly parents were called Joseph and Mary. Mary became pregnant through the agency of God the Holy Spirit before they were married.
In Luke's tracing of Jesus' genealogy, he goes beyond the Hebrew identity of Abraham to that of Adam (and then God) Luke 3:38. What does that tell us about Jesus' nature?
What do the following passages reveal about Jesus' background?
His place of birth — Matthew 2:1
His hometown — Matthew 2:21-23
His Virgin Birth
What was unique about Jesus' conception and birth?
Matthew 1:20
Luke 1:27
Luke 1:35
The circumstances of Jesus's conception were obviously miraculous; he was conceived in Mary's womb without the aid of a father's genetic material. But the nature that was created by God in the womb of the Virgin was undeniably human; he shares in Mary's humanity and is, in this way, truly the offspring of Abraham and David—indeed, the offspring of the first woman, Eve, the mother of all the living.
—Luke Stamps
'The Humanity of Christ', The Gospel Coalition
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-humanity-of-christ/
His Growing Years
Luke 2:52 — the four areas of growth
In Luke 2:52, Jesus grew in four major areas of life. What might these important areas be? Complete the words.
The right way to live: W _______
Physical growth: S _______
Good relationship with God: F _______
Good social relationships: F _______
Based on the model in Luke 2:52, draw your current shape (your growth model) across the four areas above.
What does the shape of the quadrants tell you? Discuss with your spiritual leader some growth strategies for the weaker quadrant(s).
What was Jesus' relationship with his earthly parents when young? Luke 2:51
Jesus also demonstrated an unusual growth in an important area of life. What was it? Luke 2:46-47
Jesus is Fully Man
From the following passages, write down the traits of humanity Jesus demonstrated:
John 1:14
Matthew 4:2
John 4:6,7
Mark 4:38
Mark 3:5
Matthew 4:1
Matthew 13:55
John 19:30
His Personhood
Identify some aspects of human personhood (rationality and emotions) that Jesus had.
John 6:38
1 Corinthians 2:16
Matthew 9:36
John 11:35
Human but Sinless
In what ways do the following verses support the sinlessness of Jesus?
John 8:46
2 Corinthians 5:21
Hebrews 4:15
1 Peter 1:18-19
1 Peter 2:22
Reflection
Review the questions and answers in this chapter. What new truths have you learned about the nature of Jesus the man?