Understanding The Humanity Of Jesus: Can I Really Walk As He Walked?

October, 2004

by: Walt Bertelsen

Have you given up trying to live like Christ? If you have, maybe you have the wrong understanding of who Jesus is.

I once heard a message about how we don't truly understand His humanity—that Jesus is fully man. When the struggle against sin gets tough, and we are being exhorted to live like the holy Jesus, it's easier to give in to sin, thinking, “It was easy for Him. He is God!”

This is tragic! Satan has deceived men into thinking that they cannot live—and therefore cannot lead—the way God intends for them. And so our women step in to fill the void.

I've been there. Like you, my theology was right: Of course Jesus was true man. The Bible says it—that settled it! But, somehow, translating that truth into my life always seemed to be a pipe–dream. How could I “walk as He walked” (1 John 2:6)? I failed too many times! It couldn't be done!

Last month in this space, and at the July Men's Breakfast, I pointed out that God's purpose for us in predestination is to make you and me like His Son (Romans 8:28,29). This transformation will take place not only when Jesus returns (1 John 3:2), but is happening now, here, on this earth (2 Cor. 3:18).

Abba Father, I believe! Help my unbelief!

A first step in living like Jesus, then, is to reckon God's Word true, depending on Him to make it real. Another step is to understand what the Bible says Jesus was really like when He walked on this earth as a flesh–and–blood man.

In August, Doug Bookman spoke to this issue at our Men's Breakfast (get the tape!). He presented us some liberating truth about the man, Jesus. We men (and women) do a good job of undervaluing his humanity. Doug challenged us to consider the biblical data: Was God just pretending to be a man? Was He really an “alien,” dressed up in a man suit? If that is so, then Jesus' life was a lie and Scripture is untrue.

No, Scripture is clear. “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,…” (Heb 4:15). When Jesus humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant (Phil 2:6,7), He submitted Himself to all the limits that go along with being human. So, what about all those miracles and special knowledge? In submitting Himself to be man, Jesus did not allow Himself access to his divine privileges except as the Spirit directed.

Jesus, as a man, had no more spiritual resources than you do.

Please reread that statement. Let its meaning sink into your soul.

Jesus lived His life in dependence upon the Father. He lived in the fear of God. When tempted, He drew on the same resources that you and I have (1 Cor 10:13). Living the Christian life is a joyfully doable task. It is doable as we live in dependence upon His grace and power in the righteousness of Christ.

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).