Page 33 - Christology - Student Textbook

Flesh, Blood, and the Temptations of Jesus Christ
The writer of Hebrews states the purpose for Jesus to share in the flesh and blood of humanity was
“so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the
devil” (Heb. 2:14). This passage defends the humanity of and purpose for Jesus Christ. Theologically,
mankind is born within the power of death. The escape from that situation is by grace through faith
in Jesus Christ. Through Him the power of death was broken. Those who have believed in Jesus
Christ have been freed from the power of death.

The writer of Hebrews also suggests that Jesus Christ was tempted just as we are but did not sin.
Since He was victorious over sin, He is able to empathize with our weakness. Christ’s temptation
confirms His humanity. He has gone through our temptations and He has full grasp of how
temptation can be overcome.

Progressive Demonstration of Jesus’ Humanity is crucial to our Salvation
The apostle John in refuting the teaching of Docetism noted that the ongoing denial of Jesus’
humanity suggests that Jesus was not from God. The opposite suggest that He is from God (1 John
4:2—3).

John F. Walvoord summarizes the reality of Jesus’ humanity in this way:

According to the Scriptures, He was able to suffer pain, thirst, hunger, fatigue,
pleasure, rest, death and resurrection. Both before and after His resurrection He could be seen
and felt, and His human body was tangible to human touch just as other human beings. No one
seems to have ever doubted that He possessed a true human body. The true humanity of the
incarnate Christ is also recognized in Scripture in the human titles which were given to Him such as
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“Son of man,” “the man Christ Jesus,” “Jesus,” “the Son of David,” “man of sorrows,” etc.

The humanity of Jesus Christ is clearly taught by the Holy Scriptures. Since Scriptures are Christians’
sole authority, we reject anyone or any religion that undermines Jesus’ humanity or deity.

Jesus Christ is still fully man (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:26-29; Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:13). To that, Walvoord
notes that the “continuance of His humanity is reflected in such passages as Matthew 22:64 (ASV)
where it is stated that Christ will sit on the throne of His glory and return to earth as the Son of
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man” (cf. Matt. 28:9b [ASV]). The humanity of Jesus Christ made available the propitiation for our
sins (Heb. 2:17).

7.4. Let’s Practice this Lesson…

1. Define incarnation.

2. Summarize the teaching of Isaiah 7:14.

88 Walvoord, Jesus Christ our Lord, 110-11.

89 Ibid., 113.

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