Christ’s Human Nature – A Real Man

Another regional gathering of fellowship and instruction took place. This time they reflected upon the humanity of Christ. He was a real person. Previously the Divinity of Christ was taught. 

Mikhail A. Medvedev, a pastor from Georgievsk, noted that throughout history, there have been repeated attempts to belittle and distort the truth about the nature of Christ. However, the Holy Scriptures clearly state that the Lord has the fullness of human nature. Before His incarnation, Jesus had heavenly glory, and when He came to earth, He accepted earthly limitations. Here, the human and divine components of Christ’s nature existed together inseparably.

Here are some highlights from the speakers:

Gennady V. Burdyukov (from Zelenokumsk)
“When I read the Biblical texts that say Jesus Christ was a man  like us, I experienced a special spiritual trembling and joy from this understanding. Some people think that Christ was a man free from the earthly restrictions you and I experience, but this was not the case. His difference from us was his sinlessness. Like us, Jesus had a need for food, water, felt pain, tiredness and was at times emotional distraught. John 4:6, “Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from the journey, sat down at the well…” Because of this, He understood people and could empathize with them, like when He grieved over the death of Lazarus. In difficult times, Christ needed the support of the disciples, and although it was not an easy journey, He made it to the end, accomplishing Salvation for us.”

Pastor Peter Glubochenko (from Georgievsk)
“Jesus is true God and true man, although from the very beginning of Christianity, some have unreasonably rejected His humanity. On earth, the Lord lived in a limited human body, and after His return to glory, Jesus received a glorified body as He remains forever 100% God and 100% man. We also are created in the image of God and are looking forward to receiving new glorified bodies. The hope of every Christian is to forever be with the Lord in a new body, finally free from sin. So Jesus is for you believers, a jewel, but for unbelievers, “a stone that the builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone, a stumbling stone and a rock of offense” (1 Pet. 2:7).”

Alexander Medvedev (from Budennovsk)
“Therfore, entering into the world, Christ says: Sacrifices and offerings you did not desire, but a body you have prepared for me” (Heb. 10:5). A body was prepared for Him from before the foundation of the world. “Then I said, behold I come, as it has been written about me, to do Your will, O God” (Heb. 10:7). Our knowledge must affect our faith. It is very sad if we do not reflect on the serious condition of Christ in our redemption. He is still interceding and caring for us. We may try to live holy, but it doesn’t always work out, but His gracious willing sacrifice and suffering paid for our redemption. Christ suffered in body and soul. Do not forget that he accomplished our salvation in a human body, and today He intercedes for us to the Father.”

Fiodor F. Sandu (from Zelenokumsk)
“The earthly body of Christ was like all of us, but at the same time His spiritual essence was drastically different, alien and holy. He was constantly searching for fellowship with His heavenly Father and was zealous to do His will.”

Sergey Martinenko (from Zolsky)
“Christ has understood our nature completely, so no one can reproach God and say, ‘He does not understand the life of man.’ He is able to sympathize with our weakness, as the Word became flesh, and now our flesh must be inspired by the Word.”

At the end of the gathering, the brothers prayed to the Lord with gratitude that His blood flowed for us, bearing our punishment. “Help us to live for You who died for us and is now resurrected.” Thank the Lord for such a special opportunity to be strengthened spiritually through the Scriptures, fellowship and prayer. The next gathering subject to be studied at a later time will be “Spiritual Warfare.” “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm (Eph. 6:12-13).