Introduction to Theology

Person of Christ
Humanity
 The Creeds
“I believe in God Almighty
And in Christ Jesus, his only Son, our Lord
Who was born of the Holy Spirit & the
Virgin Mary, Who was crucified under
Pontius Pilate & was buried, & the third
day rose from the dead…”
I believe…& in one Lord Jesus Christ…&
was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the
Virgin Mary, & was made man; & was
crucified also for us under Pontius
Pilate; He suffered & was buried; & the
third day He rose again, according to
the Scripture…”

Accepting Jesus is/was human was not as contentious an issue as

suggesting he was divine…

But the fact he was also divine challenges us to consider how human his
humanity is/was …
 Jesus’ humanity
A human birth: Matt 1:22-25, Lk 1:35, 2:5-7
Human development:
• He grew physically: Lk 2:40;
• became strong: Lk 2:52;
• He grew up like a normal boy
The essential elements of human nature:
• A Human body: Jn 1:14; cf. also 2:21; 1 Jn 4:2-3;
• He increased in: Wisdom Lk 2:52; knowledge Lk 2:46;
obedience Heb 5:8
 Jesus’ humanity

• Human genealogy (Luke 3:23-37; Matt.1:1-17).

• Human title (Matt.16:28).
• Human consciousness (John 8:40).
• Human emotions (John 11:35; 12:27).
• Human nature “flesh and blood” (Heb.2:14); body (1 Pet.2:24).
 Jesus’ humanity
• Human death and burial (John 19:28-34; Luke 23:52-56). Human
temptations and pressures (Heb. 4:15; Matt.26:36-40; Mark 1:13).
• Human needs and limitations- tiredness (John 4:6); hunger
(Matt.4:2; 21:18); sleep (Matt.8:24); thirst (John 19:28).

• Human after the resurrection (Luke 24:5,30,34,36-43).

 Conclusions

Because he was fully human and fully God the atoning

death of Jesus is truly a benefit for us
• Jesus can truly sympathise with, & intercede for us
• Jesus displayed the true nature of humanity
• Jesus is our ultimate example
• Christ’s Human nature was good
• God is not totally distant, but close to us