Back to Basics
Emmanuel – the Theology 09/12/2020
Derrick Harrison 9/12/2020
The imortant issue regarding Emmanuel is the coming of the eternal Son of God into human flesh – Jesus’ true humanity He was conceived in Mary’s womb resuting in His birth as a baby (the “virgin birth”). The incredulity of this event is shown in the Father’s exuberant exclamation, – “this is my son I have begotten Him!” (Heb.1:5). No doubt, Jesus’ entire life was a continuing education to Father of what it was like for Jesus to be human. Our Emmanuel lived among us as a man (truly human) and then He died, rose again, ascended and He is now seated on the right hand of Father - He has retained His humanity throughout, demonstrating that He will be fully man forever). How human was Jesus? We can distinguish His humanity - He wept, He was tired, He was tempted, He loved with human affection and He cried with sorrowful emotions. He was angry and He could be taken by surprise! The theology of Jesus’ humanity 1. The theology of Jesus who is fully God and fully man – in one person! His “deity” – He is eternal God and most often called the “Son” alongside the “Father” both are “co-equal.” If this was a study on “God in Himself” we would begin with the foundation teaching of the Bible that God is one, He is not three God’s (tritheism). Similarly, when we teach about Jesus, we begin with the fact that He also is one – there is one Lord Jesus Christ who is fully God and fully man in one Person. We use the word “mystery!” – this is not a cop-out! Rather, it is an acknowledgement that with all the facts in front of us we still cannot fully comprehend God! We are on holy ground when we think our New Life Radio – Talk No 9
2 Derrick Harrison
09/12/2020
thoughts about God. Only God can comprehend God! Significantly, key Scriptures which teach about Jesus’ divine credentials also speak about His true humanity. 2. The theology of Jesus’ conception (Isaiah’s Emmanuel prophecies and the Birth Narratives; Isa.7:14; Mat.1:20, 23; Lk.1:35; Jn.1:14; Gal.4:4; Phil.2:5-11; Heb.ch.1:5; 5:5; 1Tim.3:16). The Virgin birth makes possible the uniting of the divine and the human in one person. We believe that Jesus’ human nature was without sin, despite the fact that His humanity came to Him through Mary, but Paul says, “God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh” (Rom.8:3). The Scripture says clearly that, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy” (Lk.1:35). “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Is.7:14) Jesus was conceived in the womb of His mother Mary by a miraculous work of the Holy Spirit without a human father – “before they came together” (Mat.1:18). The angel bore testimony to the conception as the work of the Holy Spirit, “Joseph … do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (v20), and the angel points to the prophecy in Isaiah, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us” (v23). The angel Gabriel explains to Mary how this will take place, “And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, New Life Radio – Talk No 9
3 Derrick Harrison
09/12/2020
that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” (Lk.1:35). Read the whole section here which is the known as the annunciation (Lk.1:26-38). The NIV, NASV and the RSV, supported by Wayne Grudem in, Systematic Theology translate the second part of this verse, “therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God” (see also 3:23). The apostle Paul also refers to the incarnation, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman …” (Gal.4:4, see also v5), and he speaks of the importance of Jesus’ humanity which climaxes in the cross, “who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil.2:6-8). “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory” (1Tim.3:16). The Hebrews writer also refers to Jesus’ incarnation, and includes Father’s involvement, “For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? (Heb.1:5).
New Life Radio – Talk No 9
4 Derrick Harrison
09/12/2020
3. The theology of Jesus’ life viewed as human Jesus was born like all babies ae born (Lk.2:7). The influence of Mary and Joseph in His infancy, childhood and teenage years. We read that following His conception (supernatural) and birth (natural) that He developed as a normal child grows, “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” (Lk.2:40), Jesus also increased “in wisdom and in stature” (v52). This verse shows that Jesus had a human mind which increased in knowledge and a physical body which also grew. He lived a human life before Hs family and neighbours (Lk.4:22), He lived a sinless life (Rom.8:3; Heb.2:14; 4:15), conquered temptation and the devil, He fulfilled the law completely – He did all these things as a man and therefore, was a spotless sacrifice and He did not need to die. Where Adam failed, He succeeded (Rom.5:14-21). Jesus is the second Adam. He was made like His brethren, He worked as a carpenter. Jesus spoke of Himself always as the Son of Man. “who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Rom.8:3). “For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? “And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? 6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him” (Heb.1:5-6). New Life Radio – Talk No 9
5 Derrick Harrison
09/12/2020
“Inasmuch, then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb.2:14). “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb.4:15). The entire life of Jesus can only be understood in the context of His humanity. He slept, He touched lepers. John lay on His breast. He was weary at the well (Jn.4:6), He was thirsty on the cross (Jn.19:28). On the way to the cross, He was so exhausted that Simon had to carry His cross. His physical and mental sufferings were endured by Him as a man (Isa.53), but His sufferings also entailed His suffering as the Son of God. We read that He was troubled in His soul, alarmed by sudden danger, (Jn.12:27; 13:21; Mat.26:38). Jesus had a full range of emotions - He was surprised, He wept at the grave of Lazarus and over the condition of His people. 4. The theology of His ministry viewed from the context of His humanity (Jn.4:29; Acts 2.22; 13:38; Rom.5:15-21; 1Cor.15:21-22; Heb.10:12) Did Jesus work miracles by the anointing of the Holy Spirit or through His almighty power as the eternal Son? Consider His baptism in the Spirit in the context of His manhood. The baptism of Jesus and His empowerment by the Holy Spirit – as a man He needed the Holy Spirit (Lk.3:16-22; Jn.1:29-34; Acts 2:22). Father’s affirmation is here also.
New Life Radio – Talk No 9
6 Derrick Harrison
09/12/2020
“When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Lk.3:21-23). (Note Father’s affirmation of His eternal Sonship). The temptations of Jesus, were along the line of His humanity – after 40 days of fasting he was weakened, hungry, and needed angels to strengthen Him (Mat.4:11), “And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry … then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him” (Mat.4:2, 11). Jesus our Emmanuel moved daily among men and women, – as a man He ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit, healing, delivering from demons and teaching. In Peter’s words at Pentecost he points to Jesus, “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a MAN attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—" (Acts 2:22) 5. The theology of the cross and Jesus’ humanity (Isa.53:2; Rom.5:15; 1Tim.2:5; Heb.10:12) The death of Jesus shows us His true humanity – His sufferings in the Garden and on the cross were real. Humans die – He died and His blood poured out of His body. It seems that the Bible emphasises the importance of Jesus’ humanity and the cross. Certainly, the events of the cross tested Him in His vulnerable humanity. Consider the trauma
New Life Radio – Talk No 9
7 Derrick Harrison
09/12/2020
He faced, the suffering, the blood. Dying on the cross – does that not prove His humanness? Isaiah depicts His human sufferings as no other writer but he also refers to His spiritual sufferings, “His soul was made an offering for sin” – Isaiah has understood the theology of sin and salvation. The apostle John balances the two – Jesus is God (Jn.1-14), Jesus is human (Jn.1:14). In this verse we have a clear definition of His incarnation followed directly by a reference to His presence among His disciples – He revealed to them through His humanity the glory of God. This is a key truth. Jesus reveals the nature of God through His human nature/humanity. See also 1Jn.1:11-3; and iJn.4:1-2. The Writer to the Hebrews – gives a further example of how a NT writer balances the two – His deity and His humanity. In ch.1 we have repeated statements that Jesus is God which he does by taking OT Scriptures and putting them into God’s mouth. Read Heb.ch.1. Angels are associated with Jesus’ birth. We have Father’s exclamation – “I have begotten a Son!” Etc. In ch.2, the Writer sees Jesus’ humanity impacted by His sufferings, 2:9-10; vv.14, 16-17 speak powerfully about the necessity of His begetting (see also 5:5). Reference to Jesus’ humanity and His prayer in Gethsemane, (Heb.5:79). Reference to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, “But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God!” (Heb.10:12). We believe that the stimulus for Jesus’ incarnation was His desire to fellowship with His children, but equally we believe it was the purpose that as a man He could die on our behalf. Incarnation
New Life Radio – Talk No 9
8 Derrick Harrison
09/12/2020
was necessary – how else could Jesus die for the sins of the world? Death is tied up with our humanity. It is important to note that Jesus’ death declares His humanity – He died as every human person dies, but of course He died triumphantly. But the fact of His physical death declares His humanity. The Writer speaks of Jesus’ present High-Priestly ministry of prayer for us, which is based on His human empathy with us because He also suffered like us, (4:15; 7:24). Jesus’ initial call (ch.10.5, 7, 9), Father’s call came prior to creation, and the body prepared for Him is a direct reference to His incarnation. 6. The theology of Jesus’ resurrection body He rose physically. They found no body in the tomb. Mary Magdalene touched Him! He invited the disciples to touch His wounds, He ate fish, He walked to Emmaus. Examine the resurrection narratives and note how Jesus affirms His humanity to his disciples following His physical resurrection. The 2 disciples going to Emmaus walked with Him, He ate fish (Lk.24:42; Jn.20:17), Jesus showed to them His hands and feet and said, “Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have” (Lk.24:39). This resurrection body was glorified indicating the transformation of our bodies when Jesus comes again – it is our physical body which will be glorified, (1Cor.15). At death Jesus was separated from His body which did not corrupt. When He rose, He was re-united with His body.
New Life Radio – Talk No 9
9 Derrick Harrison
09/12/2020
When we die our body goes to corruption but when Jesus returns our spirit will be re-united with our body. 7. The theology of Jesus’ ascension & exaltation (Mk.16:19; Lk.24:51; Acts 1:9, 11; 2:33) The way He ascended into the sky was to show them clearly that he was ascending as a real person who a moment before had been talking with them as one of them - and they saw Him go up in the clouds and so He said that will return with the same body, again though the clouds, descending to earth as He had left the earth, and thus, He retains His humanity for ever. The glorified body of Jesus will remain the same as when He was present during the 40 days after His resurrection, His ascension, His seat at Father’s right-hand, His return and His future reign. Jesus is at Father’s right-hand with His body glorified. He retains the same humanity, but it is now glorified as in Jesus’ transfiguration and so He is our pattern. 8. As glorified Lord He is now present in the church as our Emmanuel (Mat.18:20) He is not physically/visibly (Heb.11:27), present in the church because He is located on the right hand of the Father, but He is not restricted, but He is omnipresent in the person of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the church. He is articulate in speech, speaking through His oral gifts through each member of His body. 9. The theology of His return, (Mat.24:30; Acts 1:9, 11) The name Emmanuel anticipates the second advent of Christ, when He returns physically just as He went away (1Cor.ch.15). He will dwell among us forever, so shall we ever be with the LORD. (Rev.21:1-4). He New Life Radio – Talk No 9
10 Derrick Harrison
09/12/2020
promises at the end of the Bible that He will return to dwell among his people (Rev.21:3). We will never again be parted; we will enjoy the presence of our Emmanuel for ever. 10. The Holy Spirit indwells the christian as God’s second Emmanuel Jesus, said, “He shall be with you and in you” (Jn.14:17). Just as Jesus dwelled in a human body and Father revealed Himself through Him; so the Holy Spirit lives in our body, manifesting the life of God through our humanity and making God accessible to others through us. We were created as humans, “in the image of God” so that He could tabernacle among men through Him manifesting His divine life through our human personalities. The presence of the Holy Spirt in the Christian and in the church replaces the physical presence of Jesus on the earth. The same Holy Spirit who empowered Jesus to preach, to accomplish signs and wonders and enabled Him to endure the cross and gain our salvation now indwells us as God’s second Emmanuel.
New Life Radio – Talk No 9
11 Derrick Harrison
09/12/2020