The Humanity of Jesus Hebrews 2:17-18 I. Introduction. A. God sent His Son into the world--a Son who was both man and God. 1. Jesus was divine to execute the works of God by His power and might. 2. Jesus was human in order that he might stand in the place of man for all of man's sins: Hebrews 2:17-18. B. Christ lived as other men of his day lived: Matthew 11:19. 1. He felt hunger: Matthew 21:18. 2. He felt thirst(on the cross). 3. He needed rest: Mark 6:31-32. 4. Paid his taxes: Matthew 17:24-27. C. Christ was tempted(Matthew 4): Hebrews 4:15. 1. He felt the strengths of temptation as do you and I. 2. He understands how temptation entices humans(proved could resist--just say no). II. Body. Jesus possessed the characteristics of humans. A. The Lord was strong in compassion. 1. Toward the Jews(O Jerusalem, Jerusalem). 2. The multitudes who had no proper leadership. 3. When people were hungry(loaves and fishes). 4. Moved to: heal centurion's servant; Peter's mother-in-law; the palsied man; the ruler's daughter; the blind; raised the dead; cast out demons; settled the storm; fed the hungry. 5. Raising the widow's only son. 6. Hence: Matthew 14:14. 7. He even wept: John 11:35. B. Jesus was a model for understanding. 1. As God, he knew the needs of men, the wants of men, and the weaknesses of men. 2. Even the physical hunger: Matthew 12:1. 3. Christ understood the leaders of the Jews, the poor, the wealthy, the seekers, the despondent, the rejecters-- yea--all sides of men. 4. The woman taken in adultery he told: John 8:11. C. Christ practiced being merciful. 1. Not only taught such--but put into practice. 2. These pleaded for it: Matthew 9:27. 3. Taught: Matthew 5:7. 4. Mercy is something hard to give. 5. The Lord showed mercy to the most sinful, the cruelest, to the most sinful, and all others who would do right. D. Jesus experienced the joy that other humans possess. 1. Of friendship, kindness, love, satisfaction, etc. 2. Not a sensual temporary joy--but a lasting attribute. 3. Note: John 15:11. 4. Term often used in regard to the Lord's teaching. 5. A deep, imbedded joy as God's Son and our Savior. E. Christ was sociable with other humans. 1. The Lord went to social affairs: John 2:1. 2. Jesus went to folks' houses. a. Mary and Martha. b. Went to Zaccheus' house: Luke 19:5. 3. Christ ate with publicans and sinners. 4. Christians are to be sociable. F. The Lord was plain spoken, leaving no doubt as to what he said. 1. When speaking of scribes, Pharisees, Saduccees, hypocrites, etc. 2. Challenged leaders: Matthew 15:3, 6b-7.(Caused them to be offended--Matthew 15:12). 3. There was no doubt about what Jesus said. 4. Speaking the truth in love involves speaking the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 5. Strive to so speak as to never be misunderstood. G. Jesus became angry when necessary. 1. Relate the circumstances: Mark 3:5. 2. Little doubt he was angry with Jewish leaders. 3. The Lord controlled such and directed anger into productive uses. 4. For us: Ephesians 4:26. H. The Lord rebuked people who needed to be corrected. 1. Not limited to religious leaders. 2. Even to: Matthew 11:20-24. 3. To an apostle: Mark 8:33(explain). 4. Many people would be appalled at this--but Jesus did rebuke. I. Christ felt loneliness in a world he created. 1. No place to lay his head. 2. Expressed: Matthew 27:46. a. Felt a sense of abandonment. b. What human has not experienced? J. Jesus experienced sorrow. 1. In the death of Lazarus. 2. In the concern over Jerusalem. G. Jesus Christ, as man, felt physical pain as would any human. 1. When they beat him. 2. When the crown of thorns was placed on his head. 3. When the nails were driven into his hands and feet. 4. When he was lifted up while on the cross. 5. Note: Romans 5:7-8. III. Conclusion. A. Jesus lived in a wicked world for every wicked person. B. Jesus died, as a man, to save every wicked person--when they obey and follow him.-jy