Conversations

If Jesus was fully human how did he have the power to heal people?

Within the New Testament of the Bible there is a great mystery regarding the identity of Jesus. In the New Testament Book of John we read that “he was God and was with God in the beginning” (John 1:1). Jesus also states himself that he is God, “I and my Father are one.” (John 10) He also behaves in such a way as to show he is God, i.e, forgiveness of sins (Mark 2). Jesus claims led to his crucifixion on charges of blasphemy, particularly the claim that he was God (Matthew 26:64).

Yet at the same time, within the same books in which the claims of the divinity of Jesus are recorded, we find claims to his humanity. In the Book of John again, in the same chapter that we read Jesus was god from the beginning we read that he became “flesh” (John 1:14) i.e. he became a human baby. The early books of the New Testament record narratives of Jesus birth in order to show his human birth. We have a few stories from his childhood and allusions to his job as a manual worker.

How can this be? How can Jesus be fully human and fully God? The Apostle Paul, writes in his letter to the church in Philippi makes some steps towards an explanation. Paul writes of Jesus as being:

” in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2)

So, according to Paul, Jesus, although he was in very nature God, chose to put to one side his God-ness and take on human form, the form of a servant. This is very helpful for answering this question.

Jesus himself, refers to this. Jesus says that he only does what he sees the Father doing. So Jesus being fully God, taking on human form, places himself in the hands of God as a servant and does the will of His Father. So in total obedience as a human, to God Father, through the power of God the Holy Spirit Jesus performed miracles. This is complicated. In the life of Jesus we see all three members of the Godhead. Jesus (God the Son) works the will of God the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Further information for this question:

Mark Driscoll (Mars Hill Church Seattle) preaching on the Doctrine of the Trinity. http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/doctrine/trinity-god-is

Mark Driscoll (Mars Hill Church Seattle) preaching on The Humanity of Jesus . http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/vintagejesus/how-human-was-jesus

There’s no denying the fact that Jesus is an important figure in history. Today a few billion people worship him as God. For two thousand years he has dominated history with both great good an unimaginable evil being done in his name. The Christian faith hangs on what we do with Jesus. Was he who he claimed to be? If his claims are true then what do they mean?

The Alpha Course is an opportunity to explore the teachings and beliefs of Christianity in an environment that invites questions and discussion. It is also an opportunity for some to “brush up” on their knowledge of their faith.

It would be great to see the venue full of people. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend. Invite loads of people. If your shy make a link to this group your facebook status. Here is a nice short link to this event. www.tinyurl.com/cnvrstns77

Valentines Dinner Party
Friday 12 February 2010
Spurriergate Centre 7-9.30pm

Would you like to be pampered for a special evening – enjoying mouth watering food – in a candle lit setting – then we would be delighted if you could join us at the Spurriergate Centre on Friday 12 February.

One of the aims of the evening is to give a glimpse of the continuing delights of being pampered through marriage enrichment and marriage preparation courses  which an ever increasing number of couples have found to be great fun and hugely beneficial.

Further details from Family Matters York – or Phil & Frances Harding – (632072) – or anyone from St Mikes with links with FMY.

This week we are looking at being a church on mission, looking at what it means to be a group that has a mission and what that mission means.

We have no mission of our own

John 5:19-20

¹⁹ Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. ²⁰ For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

• The church doesn’t have a mission of its own, it is a servant to God’s mission.
• If we think that it is our mission God blesses we can often rely on our own ideas and plans.
• We must remember that it is God’s mission. It is God that reaches out to the poor and lost. We must humble ourselves to his mission.
• Even Jesus does this, Jesus came to earth as God to be God’s messenger and deliver God’s mission.

Philippians 2:6-7

⁶ Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; ⁷ rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

• Jesus lived the life of PERFECT service and PERFECT submission to God, we can see from his life what the ministry of the church should be.
• We can look at Jesus as one man doing ministry and see that that ministry has been handed to us as a group.

When you think about Jesus, life and ministry, what can you see him doing that helps you to understand God’s mission?

• Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s mission. God created the world to give worship to him. Yet we chose ourselves and sin instead.
• The story of the bible and the mission of God is to bring rescue and redemption  from the consequences of that sin, that is separation from God and ultimately death.

THE MISSION OF GOD IS TO BRING RECONCILIATION TO THE EARTH

What does this look like?

Modelling/preaching repentance/worship – Luke 24:46-48

Being a Blessing - Genesis 12:1-3

Modelling and preaching reconciliation – 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

If you have seen any of the news coming form Haiti this week you will be upset and shocked by the devastation that has been caused.

The need for help is incredible. A country that pre-earthquake was amongst the world’s poorest is now as close to hell on earth as we can imagine.

If we claim to follow the Bible we must respond. All of us can help, £1 makes some difference.

Please follow this link and give generously. If you feel you can’t give anything, choose not to eat tomorrow and give the money to help Haiti. If you are going for a drink tonight don’t and give that money to help Haiti. Go without so that those who are suffering can have the most basic things. Also, pray for those who are suffering.

YOU CAN DONATE QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY HERE