Scripture stresses the total humanity of Jesus Christ. Although sinless, Christ shared in the general condition of humanity, including suffering and death.
Jesus Christ was a man
By his own claims
John 8:40 See also Matthew 8:20 parallel Luke 9:58
But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing.
In statements made by others
John 19:5 See also Matthew 8:27; Mark 15:39 parallel Luke 23:47 the centurion; Luke 15:2 the Pharisees and teachers of the law; Luke 23:18; John 1:33, John 4:42, John 7:12, John 7:15 some Jews; John 7:27, John 9:33, John 11:47; Acts 2:22–23
When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”
Jesus Christ shared in the general condition of humanity
He assumed human nature
John 1:14 “flesh” here speaks not only of a material body but also of human nature. See also Philippians 2:7–8; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 4:2
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
He had a human descent
Romans 1:3 See also Matthew 1:1, Matthew 13:54–56 parallel Mark 6:2–3; Romans 9:5
regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,
He had a normal body which could be handled and touched
1 John 1:1 See also Matthew 14:36 parallel Mark 6:56; Luke 2:28; 1 Timothy 3:16
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands — this is the Word of life.
He had a soul
Matthew 26:38 parallel Mark 14:34 See also Isaiah 53:11
Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
Jesus Christ partook of human experience
He was born
Galatians 4:4 See also Luke 2:6–7
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
He grew and developed
He was hungry
Matthew 21:18 parallel Mark 11:12 See also Matthew 4:2 parallel Luke 4:2
In the morning, as Jesus was returning to the city, He was hungry.
He was thirsty
John 19:28 See also John 4:7
After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
He was tired
Since Jacob’s well was there, Jesus, weary from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
He slept
See also Matthew 8:24 parallels Mark 4:38, Luke 8:23
He was tempted
Hebrews 2:18 See also Matthew 4:1 parallels Mark 1:13, Luke 4:2; Hebrews 4:15
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
He suffered
1 Peter 4:1 See also Colossians 1:22; Hebrews 5:7–8, Hebrews 10:10; 1 Peter 2:24
Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
He died
Matthew 27:50 parallels Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, John 19:30 Jesus Christ most closely identified with the rest of humanity through his death. However Jesus Christ is distinct from human beings in that his death was an act of free will and not the inevitable consequence of sin (see John 10:17–18). See also Hebrews 2:9, Hebrews 2:14
When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit.
The risen Christ has human characteristics
Luke 24:37–43 See also John 20:27
But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit. “Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see — for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet. While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and He took it and ate it in front of them.
The returning Christ retains his human identity
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”
Jesus Christ was a sinless human being
Hebrews 4:15 Sinlessness does not make Jesus Christ less human. It is sin that degrades humanity. See also Luke 23:41, Luke 23:47; Hebrews 7:26
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.
The necessity of Jesus Christ's humanity
As a man Jesus Christ made atonement for sin
Romans 5:18–19 See also Romans 5:12–17; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17
So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
As a man Jesus Christ gives the gift of resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:21 See also 1 Corinthians 15:45; Philippians 3:20–21
For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
As a man Jesus Christ is able to help others in their need
Hebrews 2:18 See also Hebrews 4:15–5:2
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
As a man Jesus Christ is the perfect example
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.