We have no difficulty in believing that Jesus always was – always is – and always will be GOD. But do we grasp the essential necessity for us of His humanity? I am not thinking of His victorious atonement just now but I’m concentrating on His Life as MAN.
The verse (John 7:39 made a soul-trembling impact on me this morning. “The Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified.”
What does that mean? He says (vs.38) “if you are thirsty come to Me” but He was speaking of the Holy Spirit. Is that confusing?
Come with me – I have to go back to His beginning. That night it was not Jesus Who came to Bethlehem – it was God. There was no Jesus at that time – only promises – 300 promises in the O.T. concerning Him. The Son of God stripped Himself of every attribute of Deity and when holy – sinless – Divine Sperm was deposited in the borrowed womb of an obedient virgin – Jesus began – Jesus arrived as totally human. And it is that Life we need to understand since we are human.
Jesus began His public ministry (Luke 4:14) full of power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was given (John 3:34) to Him without measure because He was (John 8:29) available without measure to God and did only what pleased Him.
Now for us. The power and influence of the Holy Spirit were in the world before Pentecost but He was not here. (I need to truly absorb this). Since Jesus lived the human life that He lived in the power of the Holy Spirit – He knew what we would need. I’m trusting for the right words so I can clarify and not confuse.
Back to the Last Supper. This is not (John 14:16) God asking God. This is the MAN Jesus asking the Father to provide for us what He provided for Him. But this would be impossible – unless – until – that MAN was glorified. Are you sensing the astounding faith of Jesus? This was before the horrors of Gethsemane and Calvary – and with His heart already breaking, He was praying and trusting for the results after His glorification. Jesus was made sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) for us and if He didn’t (AS MAN) fully satisfy the wrath of God – He could not be glorified and we would be lost. BUT – BUT – BUT – glorious – victorious BUT - - by THIS MAN God has externally pardoned everyone who puts their trust in Him.
What does it mean for Jesus to be glorified? Remember that Jesus had never been to heaven. Because the sin He bore for us was completely paid for He was fit for heaven and (ACTS 1:9) He was raptured. Are we starting to get it? Can we even slightly imagine the royal welcome by the Father and all the angelic host for the victorious Conqueror? He was given (Philippians 2:9-11) a Name above every name - - every knee will bow to Him – every tongue will confess Him – and (Colossians 3:1) He is seated at the right hand of God. Because He is Victor He is glorified and because He is glorified every prayer He made for us at the Last Supper and in His (John 17) high priestly prayer – IS GRANTED.
So - - never separate the power of the Holy Spirit from the quickening Life of our ascended Lord. As we continually receive the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18 – ever be filled). He brings (Romans 5:10) to us the saving Life of Christ. This is the evidence/proof that Jesus is ascended and glorified. Of course He has taken on again all the Divine attributes which He temporarily laid aside – but forever He will wear His humanity.
Oswald Chambers - “It is the power of the ascended Christ coming into our lives by the Holy Spirit that changes us”.
I find much treasure and encouragement in – He was tempted in all points as we are (Hebrews 4:15) yet without sin. This tells me at least 3 things.
1) We will be tempted by the world, the flesh and the devil (that’s no surprise to us)
2) Temptation is not sin and therefore no guilt
3) We have everything we need to be victorious. Moment by moment receive the Holy Spirit and He will bring – right then – moment by moment the (John 10:10) abundant Life of Jesus and through Him we are (Romans 8:37) more than conquerors.
I want this truth to be burned into every fibre of my being - - and more - - always God has more to follow.
We were created in God’s image but in us that image was defaced - - though not erased. The MAN Jesus was created in God’s image and in Him that image was never marred or defaced. That is why God’s purpose is to conform us (Romans 8:29) to the image of His beloved Son. If we are wise – because we know His wonderful purpose for us – we will accept everything that touches us as coming from God’s all-wise and loving hand – and – we will (John 16:23) ask Him no questions.
