The humiliation of Christ (the Lord God of the Universe) serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of God’s love and the lengths to which he was willing to go to reconcile humanity to himself. This is the cornerstone of our Christian faith, highlighting the humility and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.

Let me pause for a moment and share something that’s on my heart that I wish more believers would think more deeply about what’s unfolding here. Have you ever fully grasped the magnitude of the love that the Almighty Creator has for you?

He came to earth in the form of God the Son and became a man just like you and me. Do you understand how humiliating it was for the Lord God of the Universe, the creator of everything full of unending love for all that He created, to humble Himself by taking on the form of man and dying so that the separation that Satan created between us and Him was restored?

My friends, I’m talking about God!

Through this humiliation, God willingly subjected himself to the limitations and suffering of a mortal existence.

During God’s earthly ministry, God faced ridicule and rejection from those around him. God was mocked by religious leaders, questioned by skeptics and misunderstood by his own disciples. God’s teachings often challenged the status quo and provoked the rage of those in power.

The ultimate humiliation came during the events leading up to his crucifixion. God was betrayed by one of his closest followers, arrested like a common criminal and subjected to a series of unjust trials. God endured physical abuse, including beatings, mockery, and the humiliating act of being stripped and dressed in a robe with a crown of thorns pressed down on His head until the blood ran down His face. Standing there, the solders mockingly worshiped God. Then God hung naked on the cross between two common thieves and died. God did this for you!

I’ve substituted the name God for Jesus Christ in the above description, but the names are one and the same. Jesus is God, and God is Jesus. Ponder on this my friends, and let it sink in.

This is what the Lord God of the Universe did for you and me. Amazing!

Lord, we worship and praise your Holy Name. You are our God, and we are your creation; we love you with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind.

The Hypostatic Union of Christ

At the core of Christology lies the doctrine that Jesus was not merely a human being, but that He also was fully God. This concept, known as the hypostatic union, reveals the dual nature of Jesus, who exceeds the ordinary limitations of human existence.

While it is a fundamental belief for many Christians, there have been various disagreements and criticisms regarding this doctrine throughout history. Some of the notable disagreements include:

1. Monophysitism:  Christ’s divine nature absorbed or overwhelmed his human nature, resulting in a single, divine-human nature.

2. Nestorianism: There were two distinct persons in Jesus — one divine and one human — rather than one person with two natures.

3. Apollinarianism: While Jesus had a human body, his mind or spirit was purely divine. In other words, Jesus had a human body but not a human mind or soul.

4. Modern Criticisms: The concept is fundamentally illogical and difficult to fully comprehend, leading to confusion or inconsistency in Christian doctrine.

The solution to these controversies was settled by the Chalcedonian Definition of A.D. 451.

We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one consent, teach men to confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and body; consubstantial [coessential] with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin; begotten before all ages of the Father according to the Godhead, and in these latter days, for us and for our salvation, born of the Virgin Mary, according to the Manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, in confusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably; the distinction of nature’s being by no means taken away by the union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person and one Subsistence, not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son, and only begotten, God, the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the prophets from the beginning [have declared] concerning him, and the Lord Jesus Christ himself has taught us, and the Creed of the holy Fathers has been handed down to us.

The resulting statement, called the Chalcedonian Definition, guarded against Apollinarianism, Nestorianism and Monophysitism teachings.

The belief in the hypostatic union of Christ is a central tenet of Christian theology within the branches of Christianity, such as Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestant denominations.

Here are some reasons why believers hold to this doctrine:

Jesus has always been God, but He did not become a human being until He was conceived in the virgin Mary. Jesus became a human being to identify with us in our struggles.

¹⁴ Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. ¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:14-18 (NIV)

More importantly, so that He could die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

⁵ In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. ⁶ He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own   benefit. ⁷ Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, ⁸     he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross Philippians 2:5-8 (ERV)

The doctrine of the Hypostatic Union is supported by several scripture verses that highlight the dual nature of Christ as both divine and human. Here are some key verses.

⁹ For Christ is not only God-like, He is God in human flesh.         Colossians 2:9 (NLV)

This verse captures the essence of the Hypostatic Union, highlighting the inseparable union of God’s divine nature and Christ’s physical human form.

⁶ Jesus has always been as God is. But He did not hold to His rights as God. ⁷ He put aside everything that belonged to Him and made Himself the same as a servant who is owned by someone. He became human by being born as a man. Philippians 2:6-7 (NLV)

This passage reflects the idea that Jesus, while still divine, took on human form and attributes.

¹⁴ Christ became human flesh and lived among us. We saw His shining-greatness. This greatness is given only to a much-loved Son from His Father. He was full of loving-favor and truth. John 1:14 (NLV)

This verse clearly states that the divine Word, Jesus Christ, became human and lived among man.

⁵ There is one God. There is one Man standing between God and men. That Man is Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5 (NLV)

This verse speaks of the mediating role Jesus played between God and man to restore the broken relationship.

³⁰ My Father and I are one!” John 10:30 (NLV)

Here, Jesus asserts His unity with the Father, signifying His divine nature.

⁴ The Holy Spirit proved by a powerful act that Jesus our Lord is the Son of God because He was raised from the dead. Romans 1:4 (NLV)

This verse ties Jesus’ divine sonship to His resurrection, affirming His divine nature.

These verses are but a sample that form the scriptural foundation for our belief in the hypostatic union of Jesus Christ.

The doctrine of Christ reinforces key aspects of Christian belief, including redemption, understanding of God, human salvation, moral guidance and the revelation of divine truth.

Let’s look at both natures of the God/man separately so you can understand the hypostatic union more clearly. 

His Human side

1.   Birth and Childhood:

Jesus experienced human birth and growth. He was born to Mary in Bethlehem, as described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. He underwent the typical stages of human development, growing from infancy to childhood and manhood.

⁵¹ Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. ⁵² And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:51-52 (NIV)

2. Emotions and Feelings:

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus displayed a range of human emotions. For example, He felt compassion for the crowds.

³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36(NIV)

He experienced sorrow at the death of his friend Lazarus.

³⁵ Jesus wept. John 11:35 (NIV)

He showed anger at the money changers in the temple.

¹² Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ¹³ “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’ ”  Matthew 21:12-13 (NIV)

3. Physical Needs:

Like any human, Jesus experienced physical needs such as hunger, thirst and fatigue. He fasted for forty days in the wilderness.

² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.   Matthew 4:2 (NIV)

He expressed thirst on the cross.

²⁸ Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:28 (NIV)

He slept during a storm on the Sea of Galilee.

³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”  Mark 4:38 (NIV)

4. Social Interactions:

Jesus interacted with people from various walks of life, engaging in conversations, sharing meals and forming relationships. He called disciples, spent time with sinners and outcasts, and attended social gatherings, such as weddings and feasts.

¹⁰ While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. ¹¹ When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”  Matthew 9:10-11 (NIV)

² On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, ² and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. John 2:1-2 (NIV)

5. Temptation and Struggle:

Jesus faced temptation and spiritual struggle during his earthly life. The Gospels recount his temptation in the wilderness by Satan, highlighting his humanity while also affirming his victory over sin.

The Temptation of Jesus

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
     and they will lift you up in their hands,
     so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”

¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV)

6. Physical Suffering and Death:

The highpoint of Jesus’ humanity is seen in his suffering and death on the cross. He endured physical pain, humiliation and the agony of crucifixion, ultimately giving his life as a sacrifice for man’s sins.

¹⁶ Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. ¹⁷ Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). ¹⁸ There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

¹⁹ Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. ²⁰ Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. ²¹ The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”

²² Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

²³ When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

²⁴ “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,

“They divided my clothes among them
     and cast lots for my garment.”

So this is what the soldiers did.

²⁵ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

The Death of Jesus

²⁸ Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. ³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

³¹ Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. ³² The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. ³⁴ Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. ³⁵ The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. ³⁶ These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” ³⁷ and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced. John 19:16-37 (NIV)

These examples illustrate how Jesus shared in the human experience, demonstrating empathy, vulnerability, pain and suffering, and solidarity with humanity.

Certainly, in addition to his humanity, Jesus’ divinity also is evident in various aspects of his life and ministry as depicted in the New Testament. Here are some examples:

His Divine Side

Miracles: Jesus performed numerous miracles that displayed his divine power and authority over nature, sickness and even death.

Examples include:

1.   Turning Water Into Wine.

³ When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

⁴ “Woman,^[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

⁶ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.^[b]

⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

⁸ Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, ⁹ and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside ¹⁰ and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

¹¹ What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:3-11(NIV)

2.   Walking on Water

²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33(NIV)

3.   Healing the Sick

⁸ When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. ² A man with leprosy^[a] came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

³ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. ⁴ Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” Matthew 8:1-4 (NIV)

4.   Raising the Dead

³⁸ Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. ³⁹ “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

⁴⁰ Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

⁴¹ So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. ⁴² I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

⁴³ When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” ⁴⁴ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:38-44 (NIV)

5.   Feeding the Multitude

¹⁵ As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

¹⁶ Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

¹⁷ “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

¹⁸ “Bring them here to me,” he said. ¹⁹ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹ The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:15-21(NIV)

6.   Authority in Teaching:

Jesus’ teachings were characterized by profound wisdom, authority and insight into the nature of God and the kingdom of heaven. His authoritative teaching style distinguished him from other religious leaders of his time.

²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹ because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:28-29 (NIV)

7.   Forgiving Sins:

Jesus demonstrated his divine authority by forgiving sins, a prerogative reserved for God alone. In Mark 2:5-12, Jesus forgives a paralyzed man’s sins, leading the religious leaders to recognize this act as an assertion of his divine authority.

⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

⁶ Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ⁷ “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

⁸ Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? ⁹ Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? ¹⁰ But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, ¹¹ “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” ¹² He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Mark 2:5-12 (NIV)

8.   Knowledge of the Human Heart:

Jesus displayed knowledge of people’s thoughts, intentions and innermost secrets, revealing his divine omniscience. For example, he knew Nathanael before meeting him.

⁴⁷ When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

⁴⁸ “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” John 1:47-48 (NIV)

Perceived the Samaritan woman’s past.

¹⁶ He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

¹⁷ “I have no husband,” she replied.

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. ¹⁸ The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

¹⁹ “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet.  John 4:16-19 (NIV)

9.   The Transfiguration:

The Transfiguration event is a significant manifestation of Jesus’ divinity. During this event, Jesus’ appearance was transfigured, and he was seen speaking with Moses and Elijah in the presence of his disciples Peter, James and John.

17 ¹ Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; ² and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. ³ And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. ⁴ Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

⁵ While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” ⁶ And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” ⁸ When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

⁹ Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”

¹⁰ And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

¹¹ Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming ^[b]first and will restore all things. ¹² But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” ¹³ Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist. Matthew 17 1-13 (NKJV)

10. The Resurrection:

The ultimate demonstration of Jesus’ divinity is his resurrection from the dead. After his crucifixion and burial, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, conquering sin and death and affirming his identity as the Son of God.

The Empty Tomb

²⁰ Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. ² So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

³ So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. ⁴ Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵ He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, ⁷ as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. ⁸ Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. ⁹ (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) ¹⁰ Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

¹¹ Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb ¹² and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

¹³ They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” ¹⁴ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

¹⁵ He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

¹⁷ Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

¹⁸ Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.             John 20:1-18 (NIV)

These examples highlight how Jesus’ divinity was manifested through his extraordinary works, authoritative teaching, knowledge and ultimately, his victory over death. They affirm the Christian belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.

His Divine and human natures working together.

Understanding how these two natures worked together in Jesus is complex and has been the subject of theological debate throughout history. Here are some ways in which Christ’s human and divine sides are believed to have worked together:

1. Unity of Person: Despite possessing two distinct natures — human and divine — Jesus Christ is considered one person, not two. This unity ensures that both natures are present in him without confusion, change, division, or separation. This means that Jesus is fully God and fully human simultaneously.

2. Communication of Attributes: Within the hypostatic union, there is a communication of attributes between the divine and human natures. This means that the properties of each nature are attributed to the one person of Jesus Christ. For example, Jesus’ human body could experience hunger and fatigue, while his divine nature remained unaffected. Similarly, Jesus’ divine nature endowed his human actions and teachings with divine authority.

3. Incarnation: The Incarnation refers to the act of God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. In this event, the divine Son of God took on human nature, dwelling among humanity. Through the Incarnation, Jesus’ divine and human natures were united in a single person, forming the basis of the hypostatic union.

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NIV)

4.   Sinlessness: Jesus’ divine nature ensured his sinlessness, enabling him to serve as the perfect sacrifice for humanity’s sins. Despite facing the same temptations as humans, he remained without sin, demonstrating the harmony between his human experiences and divine nature.

¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

5. Redemption: Jesus served as the mediator between God and man, reconciling them through his sacrificial death on the cross. By taking on human flesh and suffering, Jesus identified with humanity, while his divine nature made his sacrifice the atonement for the sins of the world.

6. Resurrection and Ascension: Jesus’ resurrection and ascension further demonstrate the interaction between his human and divine natures. His human body was raised from the dead by the power of his divine nature, and he ascended to heaven, where he reigns in glorified human form at the right hand of God.

¹⁰ They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹ “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”             Acts 1:10-11(NIV)

Let me share several fundamental reasons that reinforce the doctrine of the hypostatic union.

1. Redemption and Salvation: The hypostatic union is essential for understanding how Jesus Christ serves as the mediator between God and humanity. As fully God and fully human, Jesus bridges the gap between the divine and the human, enabling reconciliation and salvation for humanity.

2. Atonement: The hypostatic union allows for Jesus Christ to serve as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. As both fully divine and fully human, his sacrifice on the cross has infinite value, capable of atoning for the sins of all humanity.

3. Experiential Understanding: Jesus’ humanity allows him to fully understand and empathize with human experiences, including suffering, temptation, and mortality. This empathy is key for his role as a compassionate and understanding savior.

4. Divine Revelation: Through the hypostatic union, Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. In him, the fullness of God’s nature is revealed, while simultaneously displaying in a form understandable to humans.

5. Model for Humanity: Jesus’ life serves as an example for humanity to follow. His divinity provides the perfect model of holiness and righteousness, while his humanity demonstrates the possibility of living a life in accordance with God’s will.

6. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets about the coming Messiah, who would be both divine and human.

²⁸ Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. ³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30 (NIV)

The hypostatic union of Jesus Christ not only provides insight into the natures of Jesus but also serves as a testament to the depth of God’s love and His desire to bridge the gap between divinity and humanity.

My friends, I know this lesson is extremely long, and for that, I do not apologize. As I said at the beginning, understanding of the hypostatic union is crucial to knowing the God/man in all His glory and humanism.

Take your time as you read through this lesson. Come back as often as you need to until you’ve absorbed all that I’ve written about the hypostatic union of the God/man.

Join me next time as we learn from God’s Word what is truly the significance of the Incarnation of Jesus.

Until next time, my friends, may His mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.

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