Jesus and Humanity

BY Beverly Berrus

We’ve been working through a catechism with our kids. One question asks, “Why must the Redeemer be truly human?” The 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.” Jesus’s humanity is an essential doctrine for every believer.

In Hebrews 2, the tapestry of Christ’s salvation work highlights Jesus’s humanity. We’re told that God’s people “must pay attention all the more to what we have heard so that we will not drift away” (Hebrews 2:1).

God’s words are more sure than those of an expert, best friend, or even angels. The gospel is an anchor that keeps us from drifting. What anchors you daily? Are you tethered to Christ or drifting along with the fleeting world?  There is no other way of salvation for sinful humans. The Redeemer had to be truly human to be a merciful high priest, able to make atonement for the people’s sins once and for all. The sacrifices of lambs and goats couldn’t change sinful hearts, but Jesus’s sacrifice was superior because it did (vv.14–17).

He did what no human could do—obey God’s law perfectly. He was the human we were all meant to be. In fulfilling the law, Jesus removed the sting of death and the power of sin over us. If He never came, we would still stand condemned. Now, His perfect obedience has been applied to those united to Him by faith.

Not only did He live the perfect life, but He also suffered and died in the place of sinners. Because He suffered when He was tempted, He can help us when we’re tempted (v.18). He swallowed up death and gave us the victory (1Corinthians 15:50–58). His obedience to the Father accomplished our adoption, atonement, sanctification, reconciliation, redemption, and eventually, our glorification (Hebrews 2:10–13,17). He was made lower than the angels for a short time but everything will be fully subjected to Him in the end (Hebrews 2:7–9, Colossians 1:19–20). 

Where is your attention fixed most days? Is it on a relationship, work, children, the phone, hardships, or longings? It’s amazing to think about how God is mindful of us, cares for us, and is concerned with the details of our lives (Hebrews 2:6). But the greatest way He’s shown this is by sending Jesus to bring many sons and daughters to glory. Fix your eyes on Jesus Christ and you won’t drift.