Who is this Child

 

“For unto us a child is born”  Isaiah 9

 

Why did the Messiah not just appear as a man? – because God chose to reveal Himself in real humanity!

Previously it was the overflowing flood

it was devastating judgements in Egypt

it was lightening and thunder with fire at Sinai

it was in the shekinah glory – tabernacle and temple.

This prophecy predicts God stepping into humanity as a child!

 

This is the Son saying “here am I send Me”

This is Him who was rich, choosing to become poor!  (2 Corinthians 8)

This is the Redeemer stepping down to ‘take part of human life’ (Hebrews 2}

But why?  - to set an example for us?? – Yes (1 Peter 2) – so that we could follow His footsteps and be wholly dependant on God the Father like He was.

                He came as the last Adam, demonstrating submission  and obedience to God ( Romans 5) , in a relationship with God intended at the beginning. (Genesis 1)

                  He came to show what true communion with God was meant be. (Mark 1:35  14:36)

         But most important – it was in His undefiled humanity that He became the redeemer, the sacrificial lamb, the one choosing to taste death for everyone . (John 1, Hebrews 2).

The baby that could have excelled in every human skill, grew up in the humblest of beginnings, content to live in despised Nazareth, at age twelve chose to submit to Joseph and Mary, (even though He knew His true identity). He laboured as the carpenter’s son to be a tradesman instead of climbing the ladder of prominence. After His baptism He chose to serve God, by serving the people in Galilee of the Gentiles. By seeking to serve, rather than rule He sympathised with the people in their need, showing the shepherd heart of God.

 

At the appointed time, He gave His very life for peoples so undeserving.

That child born  perfect , lived a sinless life, was crucified and laid in a tomb misunderstood by all, - except by God. In God’s eyes, this child had become the Lamb of God, bearing away the sin of the world.

 

When men thought He was finished, God intervened and raised HIM from the dead, thus vindicating His claims to purity and deity. As the ascended man in heaven, He is holy, harmless and undefiled – a true man in heaven, the Saviour of all who believe in Him.

 

The WORD that became flesh had fulfilled the purpose of God so completely  that, then and now,  the promise is true:

“to as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become the children of God”. (John 1:12)