Jesus as Unique and Yet Familiar
This weekend, billions of Christians around the globe will gather together to mark a once for-all-time event in history enacted by a unique individual.
God became man in the flesh. Jesus Christ was exceptional in his nature and conduct. He embodied what it means to express our God-bearing image in the flesh. He did this perfectly, beautifully, and compellingly.
Yet the very people who were most awaiting his coming missed the moment. Jesus “came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:11)
That (most) of Israel missed the Messiah is a surprise. That anyone and everyone who believes in Jesus has the right to become children of God is mind-blowing.
No one else is born without an inclination towards self and selfishness. No one lives a perfect life, without sin. No one loves God and others more so than they love themselves like Jesus does.
Then Jesus willingly lays down his life so that sinners might be saved.
Jesus' life is so holy, so other… and yet… at times strangely familiar.
He ate, slept, wept, loved, hurt, was betrayed and suffered – as do we. He did not float six inches above the ground and above all earthly concerns. He was tempted as we are and yet remained pure. And he is fully human as we are, meaning he can empathise with us, and modelled for us how to live life and its trials and possibilities.
Finding the balance between Jesus’ otherness and familiarity is, at times, elusive. There are errors at both extremes. Jesus can be so hallowed we imagine ourselves unable to imitate him. Or we can get too familiar with him and lose sight of his exceptionality.
Which brings me to Donald Trump, who, this week, likened his persecution to that of Jesus. A billionaire who has to give up hundreds of millions, versus the Son of God taking on God’s wrath and punishment for all of humanity's rebellion. No comparison, Donald. All praise to Jesus.