Humanity made whole
Being human is confounding. We have a range of experiences that encompass delight, wonder, boredom, fear, and pain, to name a few. We are capable of new adventures and change while also being vulnerable and prone to stagnation. We experience this variety on a daily and weekly basis. Being human is incredible, but we often feel incomplete, as though something is missing. God answers our incompleteness by becoming human and bringing restoration through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus’ humanity brings wholeness to all humanity.
Restores unity to division
Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; (Ephesians 3:8-9)
The Apostle Paul, who persecuted Christians at first, came to believe that he had been given the great gift to announce the good news that God acting in the human form of Jesus was not just for the Jewish people but for all people. Jesus is the humanity of God acting for the unity of all people.
When we consider what is awry in the world, much of it results from individuals and people groups seeking their self-interest at the expense of others as opposed to expending their resources to find themselves in relation to others. This is true for war, racism, abuse, injustice, and relational division. Jesus is God as human acting for the vulnerable, weary, and marginalized. Jesus drew people from all walks of life and proclaimed them all equal and of infinite worth. Ultimately, Jesus gives his life, turning injustice and death back on themselves.
The restoration of humanity can only happen within itself. This is the work of Jesus and therefore becomes the work of the church–to share in the world’s humanity and bring unity where there is division. Our world needs this, and it begins with simple acts such as conversation that honors others and acts of kindness that reflect the value of all.
Binds humanity to God
This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, (Ephesians 3:11)
Jesus’ complete identity is illuminated through his death and resurrection, leading the early church to see him as Christ and Lord. Jesus is fully God and fully human. This reality forever binds humanity to God because human is now part of who God is. The person of Christ has always existed, but in the birth of Jesus, the person of Christ becomes human and remains human today.
Humanity bound to God is a truth that yields great hope. Our future does not rest on us but on the eternal love of God, who we are forever united to. God’s adoption of human form affirms the mystery, value, and wonder of human life. This allows us to see and experience God in the lives of others because humanity is a place where God dwells.
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable of a king wondering why one of his followers didn’t care for him when he was thirsty, hungry, and estranged. His follower wondered when that was, and the king says it was when another member of humanity was thirsty, hungry, and estranged but was ignored—reminding us that we are with God when we are with those in need.
Outsiders become insiders
…we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. (Ephesians 3:12)
I live up the street from my family. We’re close, so I stop by freely and help myself when I’m there. You might say I have bold access. The humanity of Christ makes everyone insiders with God. Jesus operated this way in his life, making outsiders insiders. The church has often struggled to make outsiders feel like insiders but is called to reflect this same virtue. Our hope for Grace Community is to live this well.
