God, in his infinite wisdom, had an amazing plan. This plan would involve a sinful people who rejected him and turned their back on him. As we move closer to Easter, we reflect on the incarnation, when God himself became human. In doing so, we come face to face with a God who loved us so much that He was willing to pay the ultimate price. Isaiah 53:5 says in reference to Jesus, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.“ God’s amazing purpose of redeeming his people is fulfilled through Jesus Christ!
The Apostle John describes the incarnation of Jesus in John 1:14 when he says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The great mystery here is how Jesus could be both fully God and fully man. What we do know is that if Jesus were not fully human and fully God, He would not have been able to represent us on the cross. Jesus needed to be fully God so that He would be without sin – the perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 2:17 says, “for this reason He (Jesus) had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people.” Through his incarnation, Jesus becomes our high priest, our representative before God the Father.
So, how does Jesus’ incarnation affect us? It makes reconciliation with our heavenly Father possible. Through Jesus, our severed relationship with God can be restored. The amazing part of this is that Jesus laid aside his glory and willingly accepted hardship, abuse, rejection, and a horrific death because of his deep and passionate love for his people. He didn’t owe us anything, and there was nothing we could do to repay him. Romans 5:8 says that God loved us so much that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. What a precious gift God has given to us. As you spend time with God this week, reflect on the incredible sacrifice that He made by sending his Son. Praise be to God!
Pastor Brian Ingraham