Grace Institute: The Gospels & Acts: Luke : Chapters 1-4

Luke Survey of the New Testament: The Gospels & Acts Winter 2005

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The Son of Man Comes

Luke records more details around the birth and early life of the Son of Man than any other gospel. Luke shows Jesus an ordinary normal human being. But he also shows him as an extraordinary human being.

• Like an ordinary human being, Jesus is conceived and carried in the womb of a woman. But the conception is extraordinary (1:35), being conceived in a virgin by the Holy Spirit.
• Like an ordinary human being, Jesus is born into an extended loving family. But this family is extraordinary, with an understanding step-father, a remarkable mother, and a cousin who was considered a prophet of God.
• Like an ordinary human being, Jesus is born in a lowly stable to a young peasant couple. But the birth announcement is extraordinary (2:8 ff.), with singing angels and the adoration of some local shepherds.
• Like an ordinary Jewish boy, Jesus is dedicated in the temple of God. But those observing the dedication give extraordinary prophecies about him (2:29 ff.).
• Like an ordinary human being, Jesus grows and matures. But his wisdom and knowledge amaze even the most learned teachers in Jerusalem (2:47).
• Like so many Jewish faithful, Jesus was baptized. But his baptism was accompanied by an extraordinary announcement (3:22) from heaven.
• Like an ordinary human being, Jesus had a heritage that goes back to Adam. But his heritage is extraordinary (3:23 ff.), including such Jewish icons as David, Boaz, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham.

Michael Card, in his song, “The Nazarene,” eloquently put the point like this:

…the fact of His humanity was there for all to see,
For He was unlike any other man,
And yet so much like me. [1]

The humanity of Jesus became an important theological discussion in the fifth century. Gnostics denied outright the humanity of Jesus. It took a creed of the church to confirm this doctrine.

But more practically today, Jesus humanity is more than a theological doctrine. As the Son of Man, we can approach Jesus with the confidence that He understands our sufferings. More than that, he has overcome temptations and suffering and can therefore give grace and mercy to those in need.

(Heb 4:15-16 NASB) For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

So Luke declares in the first three chapters that the Son of Man, an ordinary but also extraordinary human being, has come to the earth. His coming has been announced by angels, by prophets and prophetess in the temple, by John the Baptist, and by the Father himself. Now that he has come, he begins the second part of his purpose... to seek the lost.

Footnotes

1. Michael Card, “The Nazarene,” ©1986, Birdwing Music/ Mole End Music.

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