CHRISTMAS:
From the Crib to the Cross (Heb 2:17)
From the Crib to the Cross (Heb 2:17)
Dr. Paul Manuel—2005
Gratitude is not always a natural response to generosity, especially among children, who often receive things without giving any thought to their value.
God could have arranged for Jesus to appear on earth as an adult for the short period it would have taken to die, rise from the dead, then return to heaven. Instead, He had Jesus appear on earth as an infant, grow to manhood, and minister publicly for three years. That span of time From the Crib to the Cross gave us a greater appreciation of the sacrifice he made,1 as the author of Hebrews explains.
I. Jesus became a mortal like us.
...not by accident but by design. It was for a reason....
What is the reason for your existence? Why has God placed you on this earth? Unlike Jesus, you may not be aware of any particular assignment. I think it is especially unlikely that you would know what God has for you before you actually find yourself doing it. For example, when I was in school, I had no idea that God would want me to become a minister, even less that He would have me direct a choir. Such things did not become clear to me until after I was doing them. That is probably true for most Christians. There are things you did not expect to do, places you did not expect to visit, people you did not expect to meet or influence for good. As you look back on those events, however, you see God's hand directing you...using you for His purpose.
I am not suggesting that you should wander through life, waiting to fall into whatever God has planned (reactive). On the contrary, you can and should be assertive, looking for ways to serve Him (proactive). You do that by recognizing that God has a purpose for everyone, in fact, the same purpose. The Westminster Shorter Catechism of 1647, a summary of major Christian beliefs, states that purpose clearly and succinctly in its opening sentence: "Man's chief end is to glorify God." That is the reason for your existence. That was the result of Jesus' life, as the gospel writers record again and again.
Jesus' primary assignment, to die for us, required that he first live like us, that he set aside the advantages of deity and "be made like his brothers in every way." This he did in three respects, each of which has some implication for you (see the Christology unit in Manuel 2013).
By becoming nothing, Jesus accomplished something extraordinary. In addition to taking the form we know best, he assumed the function we needed most....
II. Jesus became a mediator for us.
..."a high priest in service to God."
Why was Jesus' mediation so significant? What was the secret to his success? ...The author of Hebrews cites three reasons, each of which continues to demonstrate his work for your benefit.
You may wonder, at times—what gives you significance. Your birth was probably not a grand event, with the news media camped outside the hospital, eagerly awaiting word of your arrival. It is not your birth that is most important but what happens after that...it is your life. Jesus made the most impact after the manger. Likewise, now is your opportunity to make the most impact for God.
As I mentioned earlier, you exist to glorify God. It is why He created you. With that in mind, how can you make the most of this opportunity? In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he explains the Lord's purpose in more detail. God sees great potential in you, which a pretty exciting, especially at times when you wonder if you are any good to anyone.
Despite the importance of Jesus' ministry after his death, when the Son of God came to earth, his advent was not a grand event. He was not born to wealthy parents or to a privileged life. Except for a few shepherds, his entry into the world went largely unnoticed. Neither the Jewish elders nor King Herod knew anything about him until some foreign dignitaries made inquiry.
Jesus' advent was not a grand event, but it was a great event, because it marked visible progress in God's plan and vital provision for our pardon. The angel said this child would "save his people from their sins" (Matt 1:21). That is, indeed, what happened, and there is more to come.
One Christmas, the mother of three children decided that she was no longer going to remind them of their thank-you note duties. As a result, their grandmother never received acknowledgments of the generous checks she had given. Things were different, however, the following year. "The children came over in person to thank me," the grandmother told a friend triumphantly. "How wonderful!" her friend exclaimed. "They must be getting more mature." "I don't think that was the reason." the grandmother replied. "Then what caused the change in their behavior?" "This year...I didn't sign the checks."Thankfully, when Jesus made atonement for our sin, he did not wait for us to express our appreciation but signed the check immediately, and with his very life.
God could have arranged for Jesus to appear on earth as an adult for the short period it would have taken to die, rise from the dead, then return to heaven. Instead, He had Jesus appear on earth as an infant, grow to manhood, and minister publicly for three years. That span of time From the Crib to the Cross gave us a greater appreciation of the sacrifice he made,1 as the author of Hebrews explains.
Heb 2:17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers 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.The author of Hebrews says that...
I. Jesus became a mortal like us.
...not by accident but by design. It was for a reason....
- He was purposeful.
- When the angel informed Joseph about Mary's pregnancy, he explained what the boy would accomplish
Matt 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
- When the disciples were arguing among themselves about which of them was greater, Jesus explained to them how their attitude was out of step with the purpose of his ministry.2
This is highly unusual. How many people know the reason for their existence?Mark 10:45 [= Matt 20:28] For...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
What is the reason for your existence? Why has God placed you on this earth? Unlike Jesus, you may not be aware of any particular assignment. I think it is especially unlikely that you would know what God has for you before you actually find yourself doing it. For example, when I was in school, I had no idea that God would want me to become a minister, even less that He would have me direct a choir. Such things did not become clear to me until after I was doing them. That is probably true for most Christians. There are things you did not expect to do, places you did not expect to visit, people you did not expect to meet or influence for good. As you look back on those events, however, you see God's hand directing you...using you for His purpose.
I am not suggesting that you should wander through life, waiting to fall into whatever God has planned (reactive). On the contrary, you can and should be assertive, looking for ways to serve Him (proactive). You do that by recognizing that God has a purpose for everyone, in fact, the same purpose. The Westminster Shorter Catechism of 1647, a summary of major Christian beliefs, states that purpose clearly and succinctly in its opening sentence: "Man's chief end is to glorify God." That is the reason for your existence. That was the result of Jesus' life, as the gospel writers record again and again.
- At Jesus' birth...
Luke 2:14a [A host of angels proclaimed:] Glory to God in the highest....Luke 2:20a The shepherds returned, glorifying...God for all the things they had heard and seen....
- During Jesus' ministry...3
In the end, Jesus could say to the Father...Luke 5:25 [The paralytic] stood up...took what he had been lying on and went home [glorifying] God. 26a Everyone was amazed and gave [glory] to God. [Mark 2:12]Luke 7:15a [When t]he dead man sat up and began to talk.... 16a [t]hey were all filled with awe and [glorified] God.Luke 13:13 [Jesus] put his hands on [the crippled woman], and immediately she straightened up and [glorified] God.Luke 18:43 [The blind man] received his sight and followed Jesus, [glorifying] God. When all the people saw it, they also [glorified] God.
John 17:41 have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.You will not do the same things Jesus did, but you are here for the same reason. Paul says...4
1 Cor 10:31b ...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.God has not placed you on this earth to make a lot of money or to become president or to find a cure for the common cold. The primary reason you are here is to bring Him glory. The extent to which you accomplish His expectation is the extent to which you justify your existence. When all is said and done, that will be the measure of your success: How well did your life reflect positively on God?
Jesus' primary assignment, to die for us, required that he first live like us, that he set aside the advantages of deity and "be made like his brothers in every way." This he did in three respects, each of which has some implication for you (see the Christology unit in Manuel 2013).
- First, he took human form (Phil 2:6-7). Paul writes that...
Phil 2:6 [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing...being made in human likeness.
We do not like to think of ourselves as "nothing," but, in comparison to God, that is what we are.5 In this sense, Christmas celebrates a strange event, when the Son of God took human form and became nothing.6 Yet, the incarnation also elevates humanity. Jesus could have entered the world in another form.
- Ancient Egyptians regarded cats as divine.
- Hindus consider cows to be sacred.
That Jesus took human form, identifies you as the part of creation God cares for most.
- Second, he accepted human limits (e.g., ignorance about the future; Mark 13:32). Commenting on his return to reign, Jesus himself said...
Mark 13:32 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
By taking human form, Jesus accepted human limitations, some of the same limitations you have. This one, in particular, is a reminder that it is not important for you to know what the future holds but only that you know the one who holds the future.
- Third, he experienced human frailty (e.g., hunger; Matt 4:2). Matthew records that...
Matt 4:2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
This was probably not the only occasion when Jesus was hungry. I suspect that, as a baby, he let his mother know when it was feeding time. Hunger, thirst, fatigue—all such needs make you recognize that you are not self-sufficient. They are also opportunities for you to realize God's provision of those needs.Because Jesus experienced the weakness of the human condition, he is able "to sympathize with our weaknesses" (Heb 4:15). It demonstrates that God is not just far away, looking down on us, but close by, having lived with us.
By becoming nothing, Jesus accomplished something extraordinary. In addition to taking the form we know best, he assumed the function we needed most....
II. Jesus became a mediator for us.
..."a high priest in service to God."
Why was Jesus' mediation so significant? What was the secret to his success? ...The author of Hebrews cites three reasons, each of which continues to demonstrate his work for your benefit.
- First, he was merciful. Throughout his ministry, as he had frequent contact with needy people, we read that he responded with mercy.7
Matt 9:27 ...two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" [Jesus did and restored their sight.]Matt 15:22 A Canaanite woman...came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession." [Jesus did and exorcised the demon.]Matt 17: 15a-b [A father said,] "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly." [Jesus did and healed him].
The mercy he showed others, he will show you, as you need it and as you request it. The writer of Hebrew says...
Heb 4:16 ...approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that [you] may receive mercy and find grace to help...in [y]our time of need.
Jesus was and still is merciful.
- Second, he was faithful. There were several opportunities for him to change the course of his life, to take a different path than the one God set before him—that is what Satan tried—but Jesus remained committed to the mission.
Luke 4:3 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'" 5 The devil...showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 7 [I]f you worship me, it will all be yours." 8 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" 9 The devil...had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully....'" 12 Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test."
If Jesus stuck with such a difficult assignment, then he will stick by you...even when you are difficult.8 The writer of Hebrew says...
Heb 3:6 ...Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
Jesus was and still is faithful.
- Third, he was powerful. Jesus' priestly ministry did not end when he died for our sins. He then assumed the role of an advocate, representing people before the Father. It is an important position, because...
1 Pet 5:8b ...the devil prowls around...looking for someone to devour.
Rev 12: 10b ...the accuser of our brothers...accuses them before our God day and night....
1 John 2:1b ...we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense....
Rom 8:34b ...Jesus...is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Heb 9:24b he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence.
You need this ongoing help in your struggle with sin, especially as you also face a very persistent foe. Thankfully, Jesus is a very effective counsel. The writer of Hebrew says...
Heb 7:25 ...he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Jesus was and still is powerful.How do you judge a successful Christmas? For merchants, it is usually what they sell. For consumers, it is usually what they get. Some of the gifts we receive are so useful that we cannot imagine how we got along without them. They are the gifts that keep on giving. Other gifts are memorable for other reasons.
Roy and his brother-in-law Larry have been exchanging the same Christmas present for 11 years—and each time the package gets harder to open. It started when Roy received a pair of moleskin trousers from Larry, whose mother had given her son the britches when he was a college student. He wore them a few times, but they froze stiff in cold weather. So he gave them to Roy, who wore them three times, then wrapped them up and gave them back to Larry for Christmas the next year.
The friendly exchange continued routinely until Roy twisted the pants tightly, stuffed them into a 3-foot-long, 1-inch wide tube and gave them back to Larry. The next Christmas, Larry compressed the pants into a 7-inch square, wrapped them with wire and gave the "bale" to Roy. Not to be outdone, Roy put the pants into a 2-foot-square crate filled with stones, nailed it shut, banded it with steel. The two agreed to end the caper if the trousers ever were damaged, but the two men were as careful as they were clever.
Larry had the pants mounted inside an insulated window that had a 20-year guarantee. Roy broke the glass, recovered the trousers, stuffed them into a 5-inch coffee can, soldered it shut, then put the can in a 5-gallon container filled with concrete and reinforcing rods. The next year, Larry installed the pants in a 225-pound homemade steel ashtray made from 8-inch steel casings and etched Roy's name on the side. Roy had trouble retrieving the treasured trousers, but succeeded without scorching them with a cutting torch.
Last Christmas, Roy found a 600-pound safe, decorated it with red and green stripes, put the pants inside, welded the safe shut, and shipped it to Larry. The pants returned in a drab, green, 3-foot cube that once was a car. A note advised Roy that the pants...were in the glove compartment.The gift God keeps on giving, He does not make increasingly difficult to open. It is as simply wrapped today as it was 2000 years ago, and because Jesus lives, the gift continues to benefit us year after year.
You may wonder, at times—what gives you significance. Your birth was probably not a grand event, with the news media camped outside the hospital, eagerly awaiting word of your arrival. It is not your birth that is most important but what happens after that...it is your life. Jesus made the most impact after the manger. Likewise, now is your opportunity to make the most impact for God.
As I mentioned earlier, you exist to glorify God. It is why He created you. With that in mind, how can you make the most of this opportunity? In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he explains the Lord's purpose in more detail. God sees great potential in you, which a pretty exciting, especially at times when you wonder if you are any good to anyone.
- First, He sees what you can be (Eph 1:4).
Eph 1:4 For [God] chose us in [Christ] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Long before you were born, long before Jesus was born, God knew what you could become and made provision for that in Christ. You may not have reached this state yet, but you can and should be advancing in this direction. He sees what you can be.
- Second, He sees what you can do (Eph 2:10).9
Eph 2:10 For we are [God's] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
God intends for you to accomplish certain things, good things that will benefit others, and He has even made all the necessary arrangements. Unless you ignore what He has placed in your path, He guarantees your spiritual success. He sees what you can do.Occasionally, it will be difficult to live up to the potential God sees in you, and you may get discouraged. Recognizing that one's life having purpose does not necessarily make that purpose easy to accept. The prospect of death, even a purposeful death, was difficult for Jesus.10 Knowing that it would not come peacefully in his sleep or after he was "old and full of years"11 Jesus expresses his inner turmoil before his last Passover.12
John 12:27 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour."Despite the inner turmoil, Jesus stayed the course. So it must be for you. When you feel as if you are drifting aimlessly or are discouraged by all that seems to be going wrong, remember the potential God sees in you. He did not let Jesus down, and He will not let you down.
Despite the importance of Jesus' ministry after his death, when the Son of God came to earth, his advent was not a grand event. He was not born to wealthy parents or to a privileged life. Except for a few shepherds, his entry into the world went largely unnoticed. Neither the Jewish elders nor King Herod knew anything about him until some foreign dignitaries made inquiry.
Jesus' advent was not a grand event, but it was a great event, because it marked visible progress in God's plan and vital provision for our pardon. The angel said this child would "save his people from their sins" (Matt 1:21). That is, indeed, what happened, and there is more to come.
Heb 9:28 ...Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.What should be your response to what Jesus accomplished through his time on earth, From the Crib to the Cross? It is simply that you should follow him from this point on, because what lies beyond the cross is resurrection and eternal life.
For the Bibliography and Endnotes, see the pdf here.
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Jim Skaggs