2033 Jesus Christ, humanity of

Scripture stresses the total humanity of Jesus Christ. Although sinless, Christ shared in the general condition of humanity, including suffering and death.

Jesus Christ was a man

By his own claims Jn 8:40 See also Mt 8:20 pp Lk 9:58

In statements made by others Jn 19:5 See also Mt 8:27; Mk 15:39 pp Lk 23:47 the centurion; Lk 15:2 the Pharisees and teachers of the law; Lk 23:18; Jn 1:33; Jn 4:42; Jn 7:12,15 some Jews; Jn 7:27; Jn 9:33; Jn 11:47; Ac 2:22-23

Jesus Christ shared in the general condition of humanity

He assumed human nature Jn 1:14 “flesh” here speaks not only of a material body but also of human nature. See also Php 2:7-8; Heb 2:14; 1Jn 4:2

He had a human descent Ro 1:3 See also Mt 1:1; Mt 13:54-56 pp Mk 6:2-3; Ro 9:5

He had a normal body which could be handled and touched 1Jn 1:1 See also Mt 14:36 pp Mk 6:56; Lk 2:28; 1Ti 3:16

He had a soul Mt 26:38 pp Mk 14:34 See also Isa 53:11

Jesus Christ partook of human experience

He was born Gal 4:4 See also Lk 2:6-7

He grew and developed Lk 2:40,52

He was hungry Mt 21:18 pp Mk 11:12 See also Mt 4:2 pp Lk 4:2

He was thirsty Jn 19:28 See also Jn 4:7

He was tired Jn 4:6

He slept See also Mt 8:24 pp Mk 4:38 pp Lk 8:23

He was tempted Heb 2:18 See also Mt 4:1 pp Mk 1:13 pp Lk 4:2; Heb 4:15

He suffered 1Pe 4:1 See also Col 1:22; Heb 5:7-8; Heb 10:10; 1Pe 2:24

He died Mt 27:50 pp Mk 15:37 pp Lk 23:46 pp Jn 19:30 Jesus Christ most closely identified with the rest of humanity through his death. However Jesus Christ is distinct from human beings in that his death was an act of free will and not the inevitable consequence of sin (see Jn 10:17-18). See also Heb 2:9,14

The risen Christ has human characteristics

Lk 24:37-43 See also Jn 20:27

The returning Christ retains his human identity

Ac 1:11

Jesus Christ was a sinless human being

Heb 4:15 Sinlessness does not make Jesus Christ less human. It is sin that degrades humanity. See also Lk 23:41,47; Heb 7:26

The necessity of Jesus Christ’s humanity

As a man Jesus Christ made atonement for sin Ro 5:18-19 See also Ro 5:12-17; 1Ti 2:5; Heb 2:17

As a man Jesus Christ gives the gift of resurrection 1Co 15:21 See also 1Co 15:45; Php 3:20-21

As a man Jesus Christ is able to help others in their need Heb 2:18 See also Heb 4:15-5:2

As a man Jesus Christ is the perfect example Php 2:5-8

See also