Mark E. Moore - Quest 52 Student Edition: A Fifteen-Minute-a-Day Yearlong Pursuit of Jesus

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). This idea that God became flesh is called the Incarnation. And, of course, it sparks all kinds of questions like How can God be in heaven and on earth at the same time? Without being dismissive (because questions like this are interesting), can we just admit that they are beyond human ability to answer? Oddly, this is kind of comforting. The God I worship is greater than my capacity to comprehend.

How could I ever know the unknowable God if he didnt make himself known? We cant take a shuttle to heaven. So, if God wanted us to know him, doesnt it make sense that he would show up at our level? If you want to play with a child, what do you do? You get on the floor. Thats similar to what God did in Jesus. He met us where we are.

Some of the best things we believe about God are because weve seen them in Jesus. Three are unique to Christianity:

1. God is near. Christianity is the only global religion where God is both personal and knowable. Were invited into a relationship with him. To this point, John 1:12 says, To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. This was a brand-new idea in the Bible, that through Jesus we can pray to God as Father, even calling him Abba (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6).

2. God is love. I think most people have no problem believing that God can love people who are considered good. But can you imagine a religion where God loved not only those who loved him but also the people who hated him or wanted nothing to do with him? This is exactly what Jesus does! Check out what he said: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). And he modeled that from the cross, saying, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). Only through Jesus do we know that God show[ed] his love for uswhile we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

3. God suffers. Now, theres a crazy idea! How could God suffer? Look through the Old Testament, and youll find only two descriptions of God suffering (Isaiah 53; Zechariah 12:10). This is an offensive idea in many religions. Yet in Jesus we see a God who suffers for those he loves even while theyre unlovely. Now, that is a God worth worshipping. This is a God we never could have imagined without the incarnation of Jesus.

This brings us full circle to John 1:18: No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Fathers side, he has made him known. Without Jesus, no one would have painted God with these particular brushstrokes. Imagine how different our world would be without the example set by Jesus. He showed compassion to sinners, generosity to strangers, love to enemies, and honor to women and children. All these ideas are tied to the Incarnation.

This image of God as near, loving, and suffering isnt just a philosophical idea. It shows us how to be the best siblings, friends, and teammates. Jesus shows us the most important attributes of God. Thats why, rather than asking, Is Jesus God? we should ask, Is God Jesus?

• The entire New Testament claims that Jesus is God.

• The Incarnation is necessary if were going to know God.

• The Incarnation isnt just a philosophical idea; it shows us how to be better people.

This Week

Day 1 (Eyes): After reading the essay, answer this question: What is the most important thing you know about God because of Jesus?

Day 2 (Ears): Where do you see Jesus in Psalm 2 and Psalm 110?

Day 3 (Heart): Think about Romans 9:5, Titus 2:13, and Hebrews 1:8. Using these three verses, write a short prayer, telling God what you believe about Jesus.

Day 4 (Voice): Discussion: