MORE THAN A MAN

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  06/20/23

Read Colossians 1:15-20.

In many churches today, we tend to emphasize the humanity of Jesus. And why not? It is His humanity that makes Him so approachable and relatable. But we must not neglect why His incarnation—the fact that He took on flesh—is so wondrous: Jesus is fully God.

Christ is exactly who He claimed to be: “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30); “Very truly I tell you, . . . before Abraham was born, I am!” (8:58); “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. . . . Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves” (14:9b, 11).

Jesus’ disciples marveled at His power: “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41). This is why they ascribed to Him divine titles and roles: “the First and the Last” (Revelation 1:17, 2:8, 22:13); the “true light” (John 1:9); forgiver of sins (see Colossians 3:13); the rock and stone (see 1 Peter 2:6-8; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4). Even Thomas’ doubt gave way following His resurrection, and he called Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

Jesus is God’s full expression—the sovereign ruler of the universe, the head of the church. He is the infinite, all-powerful, all-knowing, holy God, who became flesh to atone for our sins. Christian, may you not forget His majesty but endeavor “to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, . . .” (Deuteronomy 10:12).

Prayer: Lord, You are infinitely almighty—righteously full of zeal for Your name—and yet You love me. What a blessing to have You on my side—my Captain, my King. I worship You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness” (Colossians 2:9-10a).