“The Word,” John writes, “became a human and lived among us.”
Repeatedly, when “the Word” now human – Jesus – referred to Himself, it was as “the Son of Man.” This “Son of Man,” came to another John – the Baptist – to be baptized as a testimony of His surrender to the rule of God; the introduction of the “Kingdom of God,” into His own life.
The Baptist described what happened next. “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” Here is clear testimony concerning Jesus humanity. Granted John ends his statement by calling Him the “Son of God.” But he earlier describes Him as “the man” the “Spirit come(s) down and remains (on) …” This is a “man.” And it is a man on whom the Spirit remains.
Now, if He is exclusively the “Son of God,” there would be no need for the Spirit to remain on Him. Because, though He’s God He’s laying aside everything about Himself that is Divine, including any supernatural power not accessible to another human being. He, like the rest of us, has no power of His own. As a man He is completely dependent on the Spirit constantly. Furthermore, if He will eventually empower others to share His “new kind of life,” by giving them the Holy Spirit – “baptizing with the Holy Spirit” – He must be given the Spirit “without limit.” (John 3:34)
I noted, earlier, that Jesus repeatedly referred to Himself as “the Son of Man.” At the close of this first chapter of John He refers to Himself as the “Son of Man.” He is the Son of God become the Son of Man – the “Christ.”
Another writer summarizes the importance of Jesus being the “Son of man.”
“God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted
to have many children share his glory, so he made the One who leads people to
salvation perfect through suffering … sharing their humanity … like His brothers
in every way. Jesus, who makes people holy, and those who are made holy
are from the same family. So he is not ashamed to call them his brothers
and sisters.” (Hebrews 2:10 – 17, NCV/NIV)
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