The idea of Christ’s humanity is one of the most exciting, liberating, and empowering ideas to me. It has always opened a door of invitation into living as He lived and doing what He did. As Paul states in Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV):
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
The reality of Christ emptying Himself of all godly deity, taking on the form of man, invites me into a life of liberty to serve Him fully, as He deserves. If He wasn’t fully man on earth, that would mean that I could never walk in what He walked in by the power of the Holy Spirit. But because He was, He set the example and made a way for me to follow. Even though this is one of those glorious gospel truths that feels outrageous in scope, it is the hope imparted through the life, death, resurrection, and glorification of Jesus. Truly, the Good News sets a table for me to feast on for the rest of my days, knowing that this rich promise is possible because of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in me.
The early church believed that God comprises two parts: His essence/nature and His power. In both of these, He longed for us to be restored fully in His image and likeness, walking in His nature and power—being one with Him.
What a glorious promise to pursue, pray for, and trust in faith, knowing that it is possible because of His great grace!