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At other times we see Him presented as man. In one place we find that He calms the sea. Then we find that He does not know when the world will be destroyed (Matt. 24:36). How can Jesus be hungry and yet be God? How can Jesus make wine out of water and forgive sins and yet be man? This is a mystery. It is a key spiritual truth to realize that Jesus is sometimes viewed as a man and at other times as God. Why? Because He is both.
The Holy Spirit uses this fact and the magnifying glass of scripture to show us what Jesus experienced as a man - death! Yes, He was lower than the angels for a short time so that he could suffer and die for everyone. Jesus as God did not die, but Jesus the man died. It is in that sense that He tasted death.
The Father’s Plan. God the Father’s plan said that if Jesus was to rule over everything, including those who would be saved, then it was also right for Him to die for all of us. It “was fitting” or the right thing for God the Father to cause this to happen.
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For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I WILL PROCLAIM THY NAME TO MY BRETHREN, IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING THY PRAISE.” And again, “I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM.” And again, “BEHOLD, I AND THE CHILDREN WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN ME.” (NASB) Heb. 2:10-13 |
This was the Father’s plan. He planned for Jesus to die through suffering and then declare those who trust in Jesus to be holy or sanctified.
How Did Jesus Feel? About a year ago I met with a friend for breakfast at a local restaurant. I had arrived early and as I was waiting, I saw a homeless man sitting at the restaurant counter drinking coffee. That is all he could afford. I approached him and asked him if I could buy him breakfast. He eagerly accepted. I went to the waitress and explained that I wanted to pay for whatever he ordered. As I talked with the waitress, I was surprised at my embarrassment. Was it because of her look of surprise? I do not know. I was glad that I was helping a homeless man physically and spiritually. So I purposed that I would keep doing it as the Lord gave me opportunity. The Lord gave me the opportunity to buy the man breakfast and share Jesus.
How did Jesus feel when He came to help us? When He looked like us? - when He suffered as He died for us? Hebrews 2:11 says he was not ashamed to look like us in order to help us!
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Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. (NASB) Hebrews 2:14-16 |
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The Holy Spirit makes another point about angels. Jesus did not come to help them but the human race. Fallen angels cannot be saved, and holy angels are servants to those who inherit salvation! What a statement! Jesus IS greatly superior to angels.
Faithful High Priest? Here is a new view of Jesus. We believe that He is our Savior. We believe that He was the God-man. We believe that He was a prophet, but He is also our merciful and faithful high priest.
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Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (NASB) Heb. 2:17 |
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