Reflecting on Jesus’ Coming as a Man and What It Means for Us Today
Introduction: Why Jesus Coming in the Flesh Matters
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if God Himself walked alongside us, shared in our joys and struggles, and truly understood what it means to be human? That’s exactly what happened when Jesus came to live among people. The idea of Jesus coming “in the flesh” may sound mysterious, but it simply means that God took on a human body and experienced life just as we do. This moment in history is called the “incarnation,” and it’s at the heart of the Christian faith.
Jesus: Both God’s Son and God Himself
One of the most unique things about Jesus is that He isn’t just another wise teacher or prophet. The Bible describes Him as both God’s Son and God Himself. This might seem confusing, but it’s actually pretty amazing when you think about it. In John 3:16, the Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” This shows that Jesus has a special relationship with God the Father—He is the Son, sent to us because of God’s deep love.
But it doesn’t stop there. Colossians 2:9 says, “For in Him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” In other words, everything that makes God who He is can be found in Jesus, and He came to earth as a real person. Jesus is fully God and fully man at the same time—a mystery, but also the reason He can relate to us and help us in every part of our lives.
Another powerful verse, 1 Timothy 3:16, says, “Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh…” This reminds us that Jesus wasn’t just appearing to be human—He actually became one of us.
Manifest in the Flesh: God Living Among Us
The phrase “manifest in the flesh” simply means that God showed Himself to the world by becoming a man. John 1:14 puts it this way: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus didn’t just pop in for a quick visit. He grew up, worked, laughed, cried, and felt pain—He lived a real human life. He understands what it’s like to be hungry, tired, and even tempted. Because of this, we can be sure that God understands us completely.
2 Timothy 1:10 adds that Jesus “has been manifested by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus.” In other words, God’s plan to save us became clear and real when Jesus walked the earth.
Justified in the Spirit: The Resurrection Reveals Who Jesus Is
How do we know Jesus was truly God in human form? The Bible says He was “justified in the Spirit”—that means God proved who Jesus was by raising Him from the dead. No one else in history has ever done that on their own! The resurrection is God’s stamp of approval, showing that Jesus’ claims were true and that He has the power to give us new life, too.
God’s Love for Humanity: Loving People, Hating Sin
It’s important to understand why God sent Jesus in the first place. John 3:16 says it was because “God so loved the world.” God’s love isn’t just for a few “good” people—it’s for everyone, no matter where you’re from or what you’ve done. But there’s something else to remember: While God loves people deeply, He doesn’t love everything we do. The Bible makes it clear that God hates sin, the wrong things we do that hurt ourselves and others, because sin separates us from Him. Yet, instead of leaving us on our own, God reached out through Jesus to offer forgiveness and a fresh start.
Conclusion: What Jesus’ Coming Means for Us Today
When I think about Jesus coming in the flesh, I’m amazed at how much God cares. He didn’t stay far away or send someone else to do the hard work—He came Himself, experienced life as we do, and made a way for us to know Him. This isn’t just a story from the past; it’s an invitation for us today. Because Jesus knows what it’s like to be human, we can trust Him with our hopes, fears, and struggles. His love is real, and He offers it freely to anyone who wants it. That’s the miracle of Christmas and the hope we can carry every day.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
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