Connect360: Christ and the Fullness of God

• Lesson 13 in the Connect360 unit “Sacred Life: God’s Plan for Us” focuses on Colossians 1:15-20.

There are several important reasons why the humanity of Jesus is critical to understanding the significance of his salvation and superiority and how it defines the sanctity of human life.

The humanity of Jesus allows us to relate to him. Time and time again throughout the Gospels, we see examples testifying to the humanity of Jesus Christ. He physically grew (Luke 2:40). He felt temptation (Matthew 4:1–11). He felt hunger (Luke 4:2), exhaustion (John 4:6), and pain and agony (Hebrew 5:8). Jesus’ human experience not only allows him to relate to us, but also allows us to look to him, the sinless example, which we aspire to follow.

Jesus experienced the host of human emotions to the fullest extent but did not sin. The writer of Hebrews summarizes it, saying in 4:15, “we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Because he was fully human, Jesus is fully able to relate to humanity, and his life provides the roadmap to a full and fruitful life.

The humanity of Jesus fulfills the prophetic messianic anticipation. The Old Testament prophesied a Messiah who would be born as a human being (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus’ human birth, life, death and resurrection fulfilled these prophecies, validating the authenticity of the Scriptures and God’s salvation plan.

Jesus’ life as a human being was necessary for the redemption of humanity. Only a human could appropriately represent humanity and bear the weight of human sins. The humanity of Jesus allows for the salvation of all. Scripture teaches that through one man, Adam, sin entered the world. Alternatively, salvation must also come from someone who is also equally and fully human if that salvation is to extend to all.

Moreover, Jesus had to be fully human and fully sinless, because the wages of sin is death (Romans 3:23). Even one sin during his earthly ministry would have disqualified him. Humanity’s Savior needed to be both fully human and fully sinless. Jesus was the only one qualified to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His human nature allowed him to suffer and die, which was essential for atoning for human sins. In being fully human, Jesus bridged the gap between God and humanity, enabling reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–19).

The humanity of Jesus allows the redemption and resurrection of all. Jesus’s death as fully human and fully sinless made possible the forgiveness of sins. By offering himself as a blameless sacrifice, humanity’s debt was fully covered and God’s wrath against sin was fully appeased (Romans 3:25). However, his physical conquering of death and his resurrection creates the ability and pathway for the rest of creation. All things are reconciled and made at peace through Christ specifically because he is “the firstborn from among the dead.” The title “firstborn from among the dead” signifies that Jesus is the first person to be resurrected to eternal life.

By Katie Frugé, director for the Center for Cultural Engagement and the Christian Life Commission of Texas Baptists.

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