Embracing Humanity: Finding God in Our Struggles
Summary
Today, I explored the profound connection between our humanity and the divine, emphasizing the importance of embracing our human experiences as integral to our spiritual journey. I began by discussing the incarnation of Jesus, highlighting how He fully embraced human emotions and experiences, which is central to understanding our own lives in relation to God. Jesus, both fully God and fully man, experienced emotions like sadness, betrayal, and pain, which allows us to see Him not just as a deity but as someone who understands our struggles intimately.
I then delved into the historical context of Jesus' time, explaining how the term "Son of Man" was significant. Unlike the political and distant connotations of "Son of God" used by the Romans, "Son of Man" emphasized Jesus' approachability and relatability. This term, used frequently by Jesus, underscores His mission to bridge the divine and the human, showing us that God is not remote but intimately involved in the human experience.
The sermon also addressed the challenges and pains of life, using the story of Lazarus to illustrate Jesus' deep empathy for human suffering. Even knowing He could and would raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus wept with those who mourned, demonstrating that God is present in our sorrows and not detached from our pain.
Furthermore, I shared personal reflections on the importance of acknowledging both the highs and lows of life. I encouraged the congregation to see every experience as part of a larger divine tapestry. Just as Jesus used His human experiences to fulfill His purpose, we too are called to embrace our humanity, with all its flaws and strengths, as a vital part of our spiritual lives.
Lastly, I reassured everyone of God's constant presence in our lives, even when things seem to be falling apart. This was a call to trust in God's enduring love and commitment to us through every season of life, emphasizing that our current struggles are not permanent but part of a larger, divine plan.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus as Fully Human and Divine: Understanding Jesus as both divine and human helps us relate to Him not just as a savior but as a companion in our struggles. His life as the "Son of Man" reassures us that He fully understands our human experiences and emotions. This dual nature is a cornerstone of our faith, providing comfort and a profound example of living fully in both spirit and flesh. [22:08]
2. Historical Context of 'Son of Man': The term "Son of Man" was revolutionary in Jesus' time, contrasting sharply with the distant and political 'Son of God' used by Roman rulers. This title for Jesus emphasized His approachability and His shared identity with us, which is crucial for understanding how deeply God is invested in the human condition. [24:05]
3. Jesus' Empathy in Human Suffering: The story of Lazarus highlights Jesus' empathy. He wept with those who mourned, showing that God feels our pain and is present in our suffering. This teaches us that God's involvement in our lives includes sharing in our deepest sorrows, not just in times of joy. [41:36]
4. Embracing Our Humanity: Our human experiences, both good and bad, are essential for spiritual growth and understanding. By embracing our humanity, we follow Jesus' example and open ourselves to the full range of emotions and experiences that shape our character and faith. [46:52]
5. God's Constant Presence: Even when life seems to unravel, God is with us. The reassurance of His constant presence helps us to face challenges with faith and hope, knowing that our struggles are temporary and part of a larger divine plan. [01:25]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:25] - God's Constant Presence
- [22:08] - Jesus' Humanity and Divinity
- [24:05] - Historical Significance of 'Son of Man'
- [41:36] - Jesus and the Story of Lazarus
- [46:52] - Embracing Our Full Humanity
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 11:33-35: "When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 'Where have you laid him?' he asked. 'Come and see, Lord,' they replied. Jesus wept."
2. Daniel 7:13-14: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
3. Ephesians 2:15-16: "By setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations, his purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility."
#### Observation Questions
1. What emotions did Jesus experience when He saw Mary and the others weeping in John 11:33-35?
2. How does Daniel 7:13-14 describe the "Son of Man" and his authority?
3. According to Ephesians 2:15-16, what was Jesus' purpose in creating "one new humanity"?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus wept with Mary and the others, even though He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead? ([41:36])
2. How does the term "Son of Man" used by Jesus contrast with the Roman political term "Son of God"? ([24:05])
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be both fully human and fully divine, and how does this dual nature help us relate to Him? ([22:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt everything in your life was falling apart. How did you sense God's presence during that time, or how can you seek His presence now? ([01:25])
2. Jesus experienced betrayal from Judas, one of His closest followers. How can you find comfort in knowing that Jesus understands the pain of betrayal? ([29:19])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of embracing both the highs and lows of life. How can you start to see your current struggles as part of a larger divine plan? ([46:52])
4. Jesus' empathy in the story of Lazarus shows that God is present in our suffering. How can you be more aware of God's presence in your moments of sorrow? ([41:36])
5. The term "Son of Man" highlights Jesus' approachability and relatability. How can you cultivate a more personal and intimate relationship with Jesus in your daily life? ([24:05])
6. The sermon mentioned that our human experiences are essential for spiritual growth. What specific human experience (good or bad) has shaped your faith the most, and how can you embrace it as part of your spiritual journey? ([46:52])
7. How can you remind yourself of God's constant presence and enduring love, especially during challenging times? ([01:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Jesus as Both Divine and Human
Understanding Jesus Christ as both divine and human bridges the gap between God and us, making Him not only our Savior but also our empathetic companion. This dual nature of Jesus is crucial as it allows us to relate to Him on a personal level. He experienced the full range of human emotions—from joy to suffering—which means He understands our struggles intimately. By recognizing Jesus as both God and man, we can find comfort in knowing that He has walked the path of human life and is fully acquainted with our challenges and pains. This perspective encourages us to approach Him with our difficulties, knowing He empathizes with our human condition. [22:08]
Hebrews 4:15-16: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as both human and divine change your approach to prayer and your expectations of God's understanding of your struggles?
Day 2: Revolutionary Identity: Jesus as the 'Son of Man'
The term "Son of Man" was a deliberate choice by Jesus, contrasting with the more politically charged "Son of God" used by Roman authorities. This title emphasized His humanity and approachability, highlighting His shared identity with us. It was a revolutionary concept at the time, suggesting that God is deeply invested in the human experience and not a distant, detached deity. By understanding Jesus as the "Son of Man," we are reminded that God values our everyday lives and is intimately involved in both our joys and our sorrows. This realization should deepen our faith and encourage us to live openly and honestly before God. [24:05]
Daniel 7:13-14: "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."
Reflection: In what ways does the title "Son of Man" influence your perception of Jesus' relationship with humanity and your personal relationship with Him?
Day 3: Jesus' Profound Empathy for Our Suffering
The story of Lazarus is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' empathy. Despite knowing He would raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus wept with those who mourned. This shows that God does not remain detached from our sufferings but participates deeply in our emotional worlds. Jesus' tears remind us that God feels our pain and is present in our darkest moments. This aspect of Jesus' character is comforting and assures us that we are never alone in our struggles. His empathy invites us to bring our own pains and burdens to Him, trusting that He understands and cares. [41:36]
John 11:33-35: "When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, 'Where have you laid him?' They said to him, 'Lord, come and see.' Jesus wept."
Reflection: How does Jesus' emotional response to human suffering influence your understanding of how God views your own pain and struggles?
Day 4: The Importance of Embracing Our Full Humanity
Our human experiences, both the highs and the lows, are essential components of our spiritual journey. Embracing our humanity means accepting and living through our emotions and experiences fully, just as Jesus did. This approach not only enriches our personal growth but also deepens our faith, as we learn to see every aspect of life as part of a divine tapestry. By following Jesus' example, we open ourselves to the full range of human emotions, which shapes our character and molds our faith. This perspective encourages us to live authentically and fully, integrating our spiritual beliefs with our daily lives. [46:52]
2 Corinthians 4:7-10: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
Reflection: What are some aspects of your humanity you have been reluctant to embrace, and how can acknowledging them help you grow spiritually?
Day 5: Constant Presence of God in Our Lives
Even in the midst of life's turmoil, the constant presence of God provides a foundation of faith and hope. This reassurance helps us to face challenges with a steadfast spirit, knowing that our current struggles are temporary and part of a larger divine plan. God's unwavering presence encourages us to trust in His enduring love and commitment, which sustains us through every season of life. This knowledge should empower us to live courageously and with confidence, regardless of the circumstances we face. [01:25]
Psalm 139:7-10: "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Reflection: How can the knowledge of God's constant presence in your life change the way you handle difficulties and uncertainties?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And that it's good to be human. Because, you know what, sometimes we just need to be told it's okay. There's sometimes that, there's some of you that what you need more than anything is someone to tell you what I'm about to tell you. There is something great inside of you. You have purpose. He has created you to do some amazing things. No, no, I'm not talking about that book. You've been writing. No, no, I'm not. I'm saying stuff that will blow your mind. Yeah, I'm not talking about that promotion. I'm talking about the world's going to be changed because of what you has given to it." [47:52]
2. "I feel like God's wanted me to tell somebody that you thought things were going good and you could see God just connecting everything and like a puzzle it was all going together. And in your mind you thought this is it. My life is changing forever it's never going back the way it was and you just I could see God in this. You were telling people about Jesus. You were praising Jesus. You were just telling how he has connected all the dots and put it all together." [01:25]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Like we look through that lens of that God sent his son Jesus to take away all the bad things. To like redeem the world, take away our sins, which I have no problem with. I absolutely agree with that. But I think there's more to it than that. Because I don't believe that we're only supposed to like look through the lens of atonement. But also the lens of incarnate. That Jesus came. God put skin and bones on. Came to this earth. Yes, fully God, but also fully man. He experienced the same emotions. He went through the same processes. He got upset. Got sad. Was hurt." [22:08]
2. "She storms out of the house and there's a group of people that have been consoling her. And they follow her out of this house, out of the house. And she runs up to Jesus and crying and weeping. She's like, Jesus, if you would have got here sooner. I would still have my brother. If you would have got here sooner. And no doubt in her mind, she thought, Jesus doesn't care. Maybe that's where you're at this morning. Now, here's the thing. If you know this story, you know that Jesus is about to raise Lazarus from the dead." [41:36]
3. "When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve. And they were eating. And he said, truly I tell you, one of you will betray me. They were very sad. And they began to say to him, one after the other, surely you don't mean me, Lord. Side note. Does anybody else find it a little strange? That Jesus says, one of you are going to betray me. The other eleven disciples that didn't betray him feel like they have to convince Jesus that they didn't do it." [33:18]
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