Humanity – 23 Jan 2008

When Christ was born on earth he took on human form – he was a human being. The problem of the human race is that we are all (except Christ) born sinners – we are descendents of the fallen Adam and Eve. Too often we hear the excuse “I’m only human” and frequently it is an excuse for bad behaviour or a failing of some kind – we are human as opposed to godly.

The words “human” and “humane” are similar and yet have come to mean rather different things. Humanity is often linked to the property of being “humane” – compassionate, sympathetic and benevolent. How did Jesus deal with his “humanity”? What perspective did being human give him?

In his very nature he was God. But he did not think that being equal with God was something he should hold on to. Instead, he made himself nothing.
He took on the very nature of a servant. He was made in human form.
He appeared as a man. He came down to the lowest level.
He obeyed God completely, even though it led to his death. In fact, he died on a cross.
So God lifted him up to the highest place. He gave him the name that is above every name. When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone's knee will bow to worship him.
Every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow to worship him.
Philippians 2:6-10 [NIRV]

Jesus was full of humanity in the way he healed people and cared about their welfare. When the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years touched his cloak (Luke 8), only he and the woman knew what had happened. If Jesus had ignored the fleeting feeling he had felt when she touched his cloak, then the woman would not have been healed. Yet Jesus, full of humanity, stopped what he was doing to make a permanent impact on one woman – and I am sure she told many what had happened to her.

How much humanity do we show each day? How many opportunities do we pass up because we are doing “something more important” or “haven’t got time”?

Lord, guide us to do your will and teach us to listen to and obey your voice. Amen.