As we continue our series, “Not the Jesus I want”, we are going to look at the divinity and the humanity of Jesus.  This week we will look at the divinity of Jesus.   

We seem to be a culture of societal shifts or pendulum swings.  We see this in the political arena from the conservative Reagan era to a more liberal era with President Obama.  Similarly, I think we can look at the church and see times when the divinity of Jesus was the central focus and at other times the humanity of Jesus was the central focus.  I want us to be able to hold both ideas/concepts equally.  

Look how Jesus is described in John 1. 

John 1:1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” “The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  

John describes Jesus as simultaneously with God at the creation of the universe, but also as God.  

The passage we will focus on this Sunday is Matthew 1:18-25.                        

18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.   

No, it isn’t Advent season yet, but let’s take some time and think about the divinity of Jesus.   

Is it easier for you to think about Jesus being God or Jesus being a man?  

What about Jesus is easy for you to relate to? 

What is it about Jesus that is difficult to understand?  

Let’s talk about it on Sunday.