Creator God Became Like His Creation

Step four—He was made in Human Likeness. Jesus was totally man. God made him—that is by way of the virgin birth, Jesus was made into human likeness. Jesus did not just appear to be a man—He was totally man. Jesus grew just like other children, except He never sinned! He was totally dependent upon Mary as an infant. He grew in statue and wisdom. He became tired, he experienced loss and sadness, He knew temptation, pain, and thirst. He experienced temptation and death and is therefore able to aid those of us who are tempted.

Why did He do it? Jesus came to reverse the curse brought on by Adam. Jesus came to save you and me. The purpose of the incarnation was redemption. God had to become a man because only God could pay the price that was demanded. As we remember his manhood we must remember that he was God. We find a perfect blending of the two in Mark 9. Mark tells us that Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them to a high mountain. On that mountain Jesus was transfigured before them. Here we find the Deity of Jesus revealed within His humanity. Tony Evans says, as only he can, “On this occasion, to put it into everyday language, Jesus Christ zipped down His humanity and revealed His deity. When He did so, Jesus’ body blazed with a light so brilliant it was hard to describe. This was nothing less than the glory of deity.”

How did Jesus live such a perfect life if He was totally man and did not use His divine power to save Himself? He lived a life of power unlike any man before or since, but He demonstrated to us the secret to a powerful and victorious life. We will see that secret tomorrow.