The Biblical View Of Jesus As A Man

Blaine Cook

Brother Cook has been preaching on a fill-in basis for the Spencer church of Christ over the past few years. He has been living part of the year in West Virginia and part in Florida since 1988, after spending most of his preaching career in the Central Florida area. He has been preach-ing for sixty-nine years. He received his formal education from Spencer College, Spencer, West Virginia, and Polk Community College, Winter Haven, Florida. He has preached in several gospel meetings and lectureships. Truly, he is a man whom the Lord has used in His service to establish and strengthen His church. He and his wife of over sixty-three years, Alene, have four children, ten grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

The subject for discussion has three major divisions: (1) Jesus became human; (2) Jesus grew as a man; and (3) Jesus is the God-man and only mediator between humanity and God.

Jesus Became A Man

Before Jesus became human, he was in the form of God. Paul said, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God” (Phil. 2:6, KJV). The inspired John wrote of Him: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God” (Jn. 1:1-2). John continues, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14). Jesus is he by whom all things were created. Hear Paul:

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Col. 1:15-17)

In the glorious plan for human redemption, God in his infinite wisdom sent his only begotten Son into the realm of human experience, where he lived among mankind’s temp-tation, sin, and mortality. Jesus came from heaven to earth at the proper time in human history. “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law” (Gal. 4:4). The “seed of woman” that was foretold in Genesis 3:15 entered the world by means of a fleshly birth.

Jesus chose his own mother! The events surrounding the birth of Jesus are recorded in the Books of Matthew and Luke. The God of all creation came into the womb of the virgin. Heavenly beings shouted their hallelujahs on the night of his birth, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Lk. 2:14). The angels who heard the angelic announcement of a Savior’s birth went to Bethlehem and found him lying in a manger. There in the manger lay the hope of the world. He who was wrapped in swaddling clothes would in due time be clothed with glory, honor, and all power in heaven and on earth. The birth of Jesus was the God-chosen method of becoming human.

Some tell us that the virgin birth is a matter of no consequence. However, if the virgin birth is a myth, then Jesus is not the Son of God. If he is not the Son of God, then his claims for himself are false. He would be an impostor, and all of mankind would be without hope. The angel said to the shepherds on the night of his birth:

I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Lk. 2:10-11)

Jesus Grew As A Man

Jesus developed as a man. His conception was miraculous.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. (Mt. 1:18-25)

He grew in Mary’s womb. Mary became “great with child” and “the days were accomplished that she should be delivered” (Lk. 2:5-6). Jesus was born of lowly parents in humble surroundings in an obscure village. He was circum-cised on the eighth day, as were all male Jews. “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him” (Lk. 2:40). H. Leo Boles, in his Commentary on the Gospel According to Luke, said:

This shows that Jesus had a human body and that he was capable of increasing in wisdom and knowledge. The childhood life of Jesus followed the normal law of the race, growth of both body and mind; the facts were peculair to him and he had the great grace of God upon him and his wisdom was noticeable. The Jews marked the stages of a child’s development by seven different terms; the newborn babe (Isa. 9:6); the suckling (Isa. 11:8); the suckling beginning to ask for food (Lam. 4:4); the weaned child (Isa. 28:9); the child clinging to its mother (Jer. 40:7); the child becoming firm and strong (Isa. 7:14); and, the youth becoming free and independent (Isa. 31:8). Jesus passed through all of these stages in his human development.

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Lk. 2:52). He grew in wisdom. This is mental growth. Solomon said, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Pr. 4:7). Wisdom brings forth a good life if God’s wisdom is present. “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (Jas. 3:13). Jesus grew in stature. He grew physically. The rigorous schedule of his personal ministry indicates that he was not a weakling in physical strength. His growth was also one of spirituality, for he grew in favor with God. He did not remain a spiritual baby, and neither should we.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Heb. 5:12-14)

Jesus increased in favor with man. This phase of his growth indicated his increase in social skill. He was upright in his dealings with others; he showed subjection to his parents; he was subject to civil law; and concerns for the welfare of his fellow man is evidently manifest in the four Gospel records. These traits also make us to be favored by others. Mankind needs a living example of how to live in this world. Our Savior needed to become flesh so that we might have a role model in all areas of life. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). Christ left us an example that we should follow his steps (1 Pet. 2:21). Thanks be to God for the perfect pattern! A further hint indicative of his spiritual and mental growth is seen in his attitude toward the Jewish teachers in the temple. He was in their midst, not as a teacher, but as an enquiring student asking questions and answering the questions that the doctors of the law pro-pounded to him (Lk. 2:41-47).

Eighteen years passed between the time when he was twelve years old and the time when he began his public ministry at the age of thirty. It is said that Jesus was subject to Mary and Joseph when they returned to Nazareth (Lk. 2:51-52). Others recognized him not only as the carpenter’s son, but also as “the carpenter” (Mk. 6:3). His first appearance from obscurity was when he went to John the Baptist for baptism (Mt. 3:13). This event marked the beginning of a most remarkable personal ministry. He preached “the gospel of the kingdom” to the multitudes; he performed miracles; he trained his apostles; and he experienced everything that humans experienced. He was tempted (Mt. 4:1-11); he partook of food for his body (Mt. 9:10-11); he felt com-passion for others (Mt. 9:36); he was poor in worldly goods (Mt. 8:20); he was despised and rejected (Mt. 12:14), which eventually led to Calvary; he felt the need of prayer (Mt. 14:23); he became angry (Mk. 3:5); he wept (Jn. 11:35); he thirsted (Jn. 4:6-7); he was betrayed (Mt. 26:14); he was filled with sorrow (Mt. 26:38); and he suffered the physical pain of the cross (Mt. 27).

It is important to remember that Jesus could look into the future and see that he would be the mediator between mankind and God. His years upon earth as a man would prepare him for that great work. He would need to become human so that he might be truly qualified to mediate between the eternal God and sinful mankind. The words “Son of man” are often used in the four Gospels to describe Jesus. Jesus himself spoke thus of himself in Matthew 8:20: “The Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” He must be thought of as not only the Son of God, but also as the Son of man.

As indisputable evidence of his divinity, Jesus performed many miracles. John said,

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (Jn. 20:30-31)

The resurrection of Jesus declared him to be the Son of God (Rom. 1:4). With Nicodemus, we exclaim, “we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (Jn. 3:2). As important as these miracles are in providing credentials of the identity of Jesus as the Son of God, they must not so excite wonder and awe that they overshadow his humanity. It seems that this was a danger during his ministry. Jesus appears at times to make special effort to focus attention upon his humanity.

Jesus As The Only Mediator Between God And Humanity

This brings us to the third major point in our study of Jesus as a man. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5). A mediator is one who strives to reconcile two parties who are at odds. The patriarch Job plaintively expressed the need for such mediation between himself and God. His words express the feeling of need common to all mankind.

For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. 33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. 34Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me: 35 Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me. (Job 9:32-35)

A mediator works between two parties who are so far apart that it is impossible to negotiate agreement and harmony without a third person. Paul referred to the mediatorial work of Moses when he said; “Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one” (Gal. 3:20). God was on one side, and the Jews were on the other side. Two people were required in order for God to deliver his law to Israel and for them to receive it. Moses received the law by the disposition of angels and delivered it to Israel (Gal. 3:19).
The ingredients of the new covenant depend upon a mediator to bring them into being. Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant.

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemp-tion of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Heb. 9:15)

Jesus must be related to both God and humanity if he is to successfully bridge the chasm between an offended God and rebellious mankind. Listen to the author of the Book of Hebrews:

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Heb. 10:4-10)

The Book of the Law of Moses and all of the people were sprinkled with animal blood (Heb. 9:19-20). The people were therefore enjoined to obey the blood sprinkled and blood consecrated law of God. Moses was the go-between (medi-ator) in this matter. Adding to or taking from the blood dedicated book was a sin (Deut. 4:2). The new covenant has been dedicated by the death and shed blood of the Lamb of God. To disobey its teachings, or to add or subtract from its sacred contents is to put our unholy hands through the blood of Christ and to disturb that which was sanctified at Calvary (Rev. 22:18-19). In order for the new covenant to come into existence and to be effective in our salvation, it was necessary for Jesus to become human, to die, and to shed his blood for the remission of sins, thus enabling him to be the mediator of the new covenant.

In First Timothy 2:5, we see the one God and all mankind separated by sin. One stands between as mediator, related to both God and humanity, and that one is Christ Jesus, the anointed Savior. In Hebrews 12:24, it is written that the Hebrew Christians had come to “Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
The work of a priest, the labors of an advocate, the function of an intercessor, and the acts of a mediator have a commonality—each stands as a go-between, standing between two parties who are in need of reconciliation! Jesus is our High Priest over the house of God (Heb. 10:21). The “house of God” is the church (1 Tim. 3:15). Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchisedec (Heb. 6:20). Like Melchisedec, he did not inherit the office from the Levitical lineage. The priesthood of Christ is dealt with at length in Hebrews 7. Christ was made priest “not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life” (Heb. 7:16). The priesthood of Aaron was confirmed by the budding of a dead rod (Num.17:1-11). The priesthood of Christ was confirmed by the dead body of Jesus returning to life (Heb. 7:24). He abides forever as priest and king upon his throne at the right hand of God (Zec. 6:12-13). Furthermore, the oath of God made him priest.

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Heb. 7:28)

There are marked differences between the mediatorial work of Christ as priest and the work of the Levitical high priest. First, Christ’s mediatorial work continues forever, while the high priests died and left the office to a successor. Second, the Lord Jesus Christ was sinless, while the priest of the Levitical order had to offer sacrifice for themselves as well as for the people. Third, Jesus shed his own blood in atonement for sin, while the priest under the law offered the blood of animals. Fourth, the Levitical priests entered once a year into the holy of holies to offer animal blood as an atonement for sins, but Jesus entered once for all into the heaven of heavens to present his own blood as an atonement. We keep in mind the fact that the humanity of Jesus was necessary if these great matters were to come to pass.

Christ stands before God to make intercession for us. “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Rom. 8:34). Isaiah foresaw the intercessory work of Christ when he said,

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isa. 53:12)

He made intercession for those who crucified him (Lk. 23:34). With compassion in his soul for us, because he knows what we are, he stands before God and intercedes on our behalf.

The beloved John mentions the fact that Jesus is the advocate for sinning Christians.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 Jn. 2:1-2)

Christ is seen as appearing before God on our behalf and pleading for us. He is counsel for the defense, standing by the side of the sinner and advocating forgiveness because he shed his blood to atone for our sins. What comfort! What consolation! He pleads our cause for us! He is fully qualified to do this great work of advocacy in our behalf. Hear the writer of the Book of Hebrews:

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. (Heb. 5:8-9)

Jesus learned the cost of obedience to God while he sojourned among us, and he is fully qualified to be utterly sympathetic when we fall short of what God expects of us. Thanks be to God; we have an advocate with the Father! All sins, repented and confessed, can be cleansed. Though they be red like crimson, they can be washed away in the blood of the Lamb of God!

A further look at Isaiah 53 gives us insight into the humanity of Jesus, while at the same time we see traits of his divinity.

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isa. 53:2-7)

It is paradoxical that Jesus wept, but he dries our tears. He was accused of having a demon, yet he cast them out. He was thirsty, but he is the water of life. He was hungry, but he is the bread of life. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, but he is the good shepherd. He became weary, but he promises rest to all who will come to him. He paid tribute, yet he is King of kings and lord of lords. He was poor, but he offers great riches in glory. He died upon a Roman cross, but he conquered death by his resurrection.
The author of the Book of Hebrews mentions the fact that Jesus, in the work of human redemption, makes three appearances. These three momentous appearances summarize the marvelous acts of Jesus.

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer him-self often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Heb. 9:24-28)

First, Jesus appeared as a man to give his life and shed his blood for our sins. Second, he appears in God’s presence as our mediator. Third, he will appear at the Second Coming, without a sin offering, to receive the faithful into glory, and to punish the disobedient (1 Thes. 4:13-18; 2 Thes. 1:6-10).

Conclusion

We look back with gratitude to God for his unspeak-able gift (2 Cor. 9:15). By faith we look upward to the throne of grace with thanksgiving as we perceive Jesus mediating for us; and with great anticipation we wait for his return to bring glory, honor, and immortality to those who look for him.

May the work, which he did for us, cause us to turn to him in whole-hearted obedience so that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in time of need (Heb. 4:16). May cold indifference never fill our hearts. Instead, may love for him increase and may zeal inflame us as we wait for him who was once in the form of man, as one of us.

Works Cited

• All Bible quotations are taken from the King James Version unless otherwise indicated.
• Boles, H. Leo. A Commentary on the Gospel According to Luke. Nashville, TN: Gospel Advocate, 1940.