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Matthew 1:18–25
From the Confessions: The Apostles' Creed
“Born of the Virgin Mary”
Pulling It Together
The divinity of Jesus is seen in the Spirit of God causing Mary to be pregnant. He came over her and overshadowed her. There was nothing physical in the act. The Spirit of God simply caused her to be carrying Christ. The result is that Jesus had no sin from the start of his earthly life. The original sin of humankind (Rom 5:12-19) never touched Christ, who being born of a virgin had no earthly father. And so, we confess that Jesus is both divine and human—conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a woman.
As God, Jesus is just in paying the debt for our sins in order to bring us into a corrected relationship with God (Col 1:19-20). Being God incarnate—both divine and human at once—Jesus was able to restore our favor with God by procuring a pardon, or peace, through the blood of his sacrifice.
That he is human is vital. As man, Jesus knew what it is like to be human and tempted (Heb 4:15), yet he did not sin. Because he lives forever, he is able mediate for us, poor sinners that we are, representing us to the righteous judge of heaven.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for becoming man and while also fully God, paying the price for my sin. Amen.
Mary, Martha & Many Faithful Women is a five-session VBS book designed especially for small churches, house churches, and mission congregations with a limited budget or in situations where the ages and number of students may vary from session to session. This resource includes worksheets and handouts that may be reproduced, Resources and ideas are provided for gathering time, music, activities, games, and refreshments — allowing just a few adult leaders to host a week of Vacation Bible School.
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2 Comments
Katherine Harms
Posted January 9, 2015 at 2:32pm
Mark Ryman
Posted January 12, 2015 at 7:45pm