“Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward. Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person.” 2 John 1:7 – 11

“Many deceivers have gone out into the world”

As Lutherans we believe that Christ is both human and divine. Period. Jesus was both — a man and G-d. Jesus was not “like” G-d, but he was is and will continue to be the incarnate G-d, Emmanuel, G-d with us. There are deceivers who will try to convince people otherwise, which is why we must share the Gospel with those we know and love.

Christmas Day has come and gone – we have gazed on the splendor of the baby born in a manger. Now the lessons in the weeks to come will focus on the fact that Christ was born to human parents, came in the manner of every human, and they will partake in the rituals expected of new parents. This is how G-d chose to reveal G-d’s self to the world. G-d could have come in a divine manner, to royal parents, or the elites of Rome or Israel. But this was not the case.

Origen of Alexandria writes, “So did the Son of G-d divest Himself of His equality with the Father and show us the way to the knowledge of Him who is made the express image of His person…”

If Jesus was only divine, only appearing to be human, then the events of his life and his death through crucifixion lose their power. If he only appears to be one of us, then he does not truly understand my suffering, my loss, my despair, and my hurt. But if he is fully human as well as fully divine, then he understands, fully, my hurts and my fears. Jesus is my Savior who was not “Like” G-d — he is not “Like” you and me – Jesus is both, fully human and fully divine. This fact brings me hope and comfort to live each and every day in the very presence of the G-d-head.

Pastor Dave