The identity of Jesus Christ understood and interpreted from various perspectives, is a complex and rich topic within Christian theology. Among these, one often overlooked aspect is His humanity – the facet of His being that connects Him to us as a fellow member of the human race. We find scriptural references to Jesus as a man in both the Old and New Testaments. This blog attempts to delve deeper into the significance of the phrase “The Man Christ Jesus,” found in 1 Timothy 2:5, and explore its implications for our understanding of the nature and mission of Jesus Christ.

Linguistic Interpretation

The New Testament, originally written in Greek, uses two different words to refer to Jesus as a man: “anthropos” (a specimen of the human race) and “aner” (a male member of the human family). John the Baptist and Peter use “aner” when speaking of Jesus (John 1:30; Acts 2:22). In contrast, the woman of Samaria uses “anthropos” when speaking of Him (John 4:29).

This usage of both terms indicates that Jesus was seen as both a specific man (aner) and a member of the human race (anthropos). In other words, He was both unique and universal, embodying the characteristics of an individual man while also representing humanity as a whole.

The implication of “The Man”

When we see the term “The Man” applied to Jesus, it is a testament to His full and natural humanity. The Bible underscores that Jesus did not merely seem human but was human (John 1:14; Gal. 4:4-6; Heb. 2:14-16). He was fully man and fully God – a divine mystery (2 Cor. 5:18-21; 1 Tim.3:16).

In referring to Jesus as “the man,” scripture also indicates His role as the second Adam. Just as the first Adam’s disobedience led to sin entering the world, Jesus, as the second Adam, through His obedience, brings about the possibility of righteousness and eternal life for humanity (Rom. 5:12-19; 1 Cor. 15:22-29).

Additionally, His humanity was crucial for His priesthood, a role that required a deep understanding and experience of human life. His ability to empathize with our weaknesses (Heb. 2:14-18) comes from this shared human experience.

The Man Jesus and His Accomplishments

Through Jesus, the perfect harmony between humanity and God was demonstrated. He declared, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30; 17:21-23), and yet, He expressed His submission to the Father’s will, saying, “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:19,30). This relationship reveals an incredible harmony between the divine and human.

Jesus also embodied the union of the two natures – the divine and the human (1 Tim. 3:16). By His incarnation, He brought the divine into human life, offering believers the hope of glory (Col. 1:27) and making them partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:2-8; 2 Cor.3:18).

Moreover, Jesus shared our human experiences. He experienced hunger, thirst, temptation, sorrow, and fear. His response to these experiences, His self-control under severe tests, His resistance to temptation, and His gentleness with others demonstrate a man’s full measure, enriching our understanding of manhood (Ps. 18:35; 2 Sam. 22:36).

Perhaps one of the most poignant moments displaying His manhood is when Pilate presented a beaten and bruised Jesus to the crowd, saying, “Behold the man” (John 19:5). In the shadow of the cross, Jesus demonstrated an unprecedented level of fortitude and resilience, hallmarks of dignified manhood.

The Impact of His Humanity

Recognising Jesus’ humanity has profound implications for our relationship with Him. When we see Jesus as a man, it draws us closer to Him. He is no longer a distant divine figure but a relatable human who understands our struggles and emotions.

Notably, Jesus’ humanity does not detract from His divinity but amplifies it. Through His life as a man, Jesus gave us a blueprint of how human life can be lived in harmony with the divine will. By understanding Him as the man Christ Jesus, we appreciate His sacrifice and perceive a path for ourselves, embodying divine attributes in our human lives.

In conclusion, the phrase “The Man Christ Jesus” offers us a unique perspective on the nature of Christ and His mission. It reminds us of His full humanity, divine purpose, remarkable accomplishments, and transformative impact. As we reflect on the man Jesus, we discover a profound connection – a kinship that encourages us to strive for the divine within our humanity, following the path He demonstrated. Thus, we can say with heartfelt emotion: “I dearly love Him – the man Christ Jesus!”