At Easter: The Incarnation of Jesus Christ, By Isaac Megbolugbe

Introduction
March 8, 2025. The incarnation of Jesus Christ stands as a pivotal event in human history, marking the convergence of divine and human realities in a singular, profound, and transformative act. This majestic doctrine, which represents the very heart of Christianity, asserts that God, in the person of Jesus Christ, took on human flesh and dwelt among humanity, revealing the depths of God’s love, humility, and commitment to redemption.
The incarnation is not merely a theological concept or a historical event; it is a multifaceted reality that has shaped the contours of human thought, inspired countless lives, and continued to offer hope, redemption, and restoration to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ. As we embark on this broad discussion of the incarnation, we will delve into the rich tapestry of biblical teachings, theological insights, and historical perspectives that underscore the magnitude of God’s love and the transformative power of the incarnation.
Throughout our exploration, we will examine the incarnation’s far-reaching implications for our understanding of God’s nature and character, the person and work of Jesus Christ, the human condition, and the ultimate destiny of humanity. We will also consider how the incarnation shapes our comprehension of salvation, redemption, and the Christian life, as well as its relevance to contemporary debates, challenges, and opportunities.

As we venture into this comprehensive discussion, we invite you to join us on a journey of discovery, reflection, and worship, as we uncover the breathtaking beauty, profound significance, and life-transforming power of the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

Unveiling the Magnitude of God’s Love
The Incarnation of Jesus Christ is one of the most profound and mysterious events in human history. It is the culmination of God’s plan to reconcile humanity to Himself, and it marks the beginning of a new era in human history.
The Nature of the Incarnation
The Incarnation refers to the event in which God, in the person of Jesus Christ, took on human flesh and dwelt among humanity. This event is described in the Gospel of John as “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The Incarnation is a mystery that is difficult to comprehend, but it is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology.

The Significance of the Incarnation
The Incarnation is significant because it marks the ultimate revelation of God’s Glory. In Jesus Christ, we see the visible expression of God’s invisible nature. As the Apostle Paul writes, “He is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). The Incarnation demonstrates God’s love and desire to be in relationship with humanity.

Implications of the Incarnation
The Incarnation has far-reaching implications for humanity. It means that God is not a distant, unapproachable deity, but a God who is intimately involved in human affairs. The Incarnation also means that humanity is not alone in its struggles and sufferings. God, in Jesus Christ, has experienced humanity’s joys and sorrows, and has provided a way for humanity to be reconciled to Himself.

Relevance of the Incarnation Today
The Incarnation is not just a historical event; it has relevance to our lives today. It reminds us that God is a God of love and compassion, who desires to be in relationship with us. The Incarnation also encourages us to follow Jesus’ example of humility and self-sacrifice. As we reflect on the Incarnation, we are reminded of the importance of living a life of love, compassion, and service to others.

Conclusion
The Incarnation of Jesus Christ is a profound and mysterious event that marks the ultimate revelation of God’s Glory. It demonstrates God’s love and desire to be in relationship with humanity, and has far-reaching implications for our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. As we reflect on the Incarnation, may we be reminded of the importance of living a life of love, compassion, and service to others, and may we be encouraged to follow Jesus’ example of humility and self-sacrifice.

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ: Unveiling the Majesty of God’s Glory
The Book of Hebrews presents a profound and majestic portrayal of Jesus Christ, underscoring His superiority and exclusivity as the sole mediator between humanity and God. The incarnation of Jesus Christ is a pivotal aspect of this high Christology, demonstrating His unique role as the author of salvation and the arbiter of God’s redemption.

Throughout human history, God has revealed Himself in various ways, including the majesty of creation, the power of His Word, and the prophetic voices of old. However, the ultimate revelation of God’s nature and character is found in the person of Jesus Christ. As the appointed heir of all things, Jesus is the resplendent Brightness of God’s Glory, outshining the brilliance of the sun.

The manifestations of God’s Glory in the Old Testament, often accompanied by the Shekinah cloud, were awe-inspiring and intense, radiating an otherworldly brilliance that could be blinding. Yet, the incarnation of Jesus Christ surpasses these manifestations, presenting the most vivid, graphic, and profound revelation of God’s Glory in human history.

Jesus Christ is not only the brightness of God’s Glory but also the expressed image of His Person, nature, character, and being. He is Immanuel, God dwelling among humanity, sharing our experiences and accomplishing the reconciliation of humanity unto Himself. Through Jesus Christ, God has reconciled the world to Himself, providing salvation from condemnation and damnation.

The singularity and specificity of Jesus Christ’s role are unmistakable. All redemptive activities, from the Old and New Testaments, converge in Him, demonstrating His exclusivity as the mediator between humanity and God. As the author of salvation, Jesus Christ has provided the sole means of redemption, making Him the only arbiter of God’s redemption.

In conclusion, the Book of Hebrews presents a majestic portrait of Jesus Christ, highlighting His supremacy and exclusivity as the sole mediator between humanity and God. Through His incarnation, Jesus Christ has revealed the majesty of God’s Glory, providing salvation and reconciliation for humanity. As we contemplate the splendor of God’s Glory, we are drawn to the singular and supreme role of Jesus Christ, the Brightness of God’s Glory and the expressed image of His Person.

The Incarnation and the High Christology of Jesus Christ
The incarnation of Jesus Christ significantly contributes to the high Christology articulated in the Book of Hebrews in several ways:

1. Demonstrates Jesus’ divinity: The incarnation shows that Jesus is not just a human being, but the Son of God, who took on human flesh (Hebrews 1:3, 2:14-18). This underscores Jesus’ divinity and His equality with God.
2. Establishes Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God:
   The incarnation reveals God’s nature and character in a way that surpasses all previous revelations (Hebrews 1:1-3). Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s being, making Him the perfect representation of God’s glory.
3. Shows Jesus’ superiority over angels and human leaders: The incarnation highlights Jesus’ superiority over angels (Hebrews 1:4-14, 2:5-18) and human leaders, such as Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6). This emphasizes Jesus’ unique role as the mediator between God and humanity.
4. Emphasizes Jesus’ role as the perfect High Priest: The incarnation enables Jesus to empathize with human weaknesses and sufferings, making Him the perfect High Priest (Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:14-16, 5:1-10). This highlights Jesus’ ability to provide a superior sacrifice for sin and to intercede on behalf of humanity.
5. Underscores Jesus’ eternal priesthood and kingship: The incarnation ensures Jesus’ eternal priesthood and kingship, surpassing the limitations of human priests and kings (Hebrews 5:6, 7:1-28). This emphasizes Jesus’ permanent and unparalleled role in mediating between God and humanity.

In summary, the incarnation of Jesus Christ is a crucial aspect of the high Christology presented in the Book of Hebrews. It demonstrates Jesus’ divinity, establishes Him as the ultimate revelation of God, and highlights His superiority over angels, human leaders, and the limitations of human priesthood and kingship.

The Incarnation and the Exclusivity of Jesus Christ
The incarnation of Jesus Christ eliminates the search for alternative ways to be reconciled to God in several ways:

1. Ultimate revelation of God: The incarnation provides the ultimate revelation of God’s nature and character, making it unnecessary to seek alternative ways to know or relate to God (Hebrews 1:1-3).
2. Perfect sacrifice for sin: The incarnation enables Jesus to provide the perfect sacrifice for sin, eliminating the need for further sacrifices or attempts to atone for sin (Hebrews 10:1-18).
3. Exclusive mediatorship: The incarnation establishes Jesus as the exclusive mediator between God and humanity, making it unnecessary to seek alternative mediators or intermediaries (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 5:1-10).
4. Final and complete redemption: The incarnation provides final and complete redemption for humanity, eliminating the need for further redemptive acts or attempts to earn salvation (Hebrews 9:26-28, 10:14).
5. Universal accessibility: Incarnation makes salvation universally accessible, regardless of cultural, social, or economic background, eliminating the need for alternative means of salvation (Galatians 3:26-29, Ephesians 2:11-22).
   The incarnation of Jesus Christ represents a valid piece of evidence against those who reject Jesus Christ as God’s final offer for reconciliation in several ways:
6. Historical and factual basis; The incarnation is rooted in historical events and factual accounts, making it a verifiable and evidence-based claim (Luke 1-2, John 1:14).
7. Fulfillment of prophecy: The incarnation fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating God’s consistent plan of redemption and the accuracy of biblical prophecy (Matthew 1:22-23, Luke 4:16-21).
8. Transformative power: The incarnation demonstrates transformative power, as seen in the lives of those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, providing evidence of the incarnation’s impact on human lives (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20).
9. Unique and exclusive claims: The incarnation makes unique and exclusive claims about Jesus Christ, setting Him apart from other religious leaders and figures, and providing a clear choice for those seeking reconciliation with God.
10. God’s final and complete revelation: The incarnation represents God’s final and complete revelation to humanity, making it unnecessary to seek alternative means of salvation or reconciliation (Hebrews 1:1-3, 2:1-4).
11. The incarnation is a public historical event; The incarnation is a public historical event that was witnessed by many people, including shepherds, wise men, and others who saw Jesus as a baby and throughout His life (Luke 2:8-20, Matthew 2:1-12).
12. The incarnation is confirmed by miracles and wonders: The incarnation is confirmed by the miracles and wonders that Jesus performed during His life, including healing the blind, raising the dead, and feeding the hungry (Matthew 11:4-5, John 20:30-31).
13. The incarnation is verified by the testimony of Scripture: The incarnation is verified by the testimony of Scripture, which provides a consistent and coherent account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (Luke 24:25-27, John 5:39-40).
14. The incarnation is authenticated by the resurrection of Jesus: The incarnation is authenticated by the resurrection of Jesus, which demonstrates His power over death and sin, and confirms His divinity (Romans 1:3-4, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
15. The incarnation is a universal and inclusive message: The incarnation is a universal and inclusive message that is available to all people, regardless of their cultural, social, or economic background (Galatians 3:26-29, Ephesians 2:11-22).
16. The incarnation provides a coherent and consistent worldview: The incarnation provides a coherent and consistent worldview that explains the nature of God, humanity, and the universe, and provides a framework for understanding the world and our place in it (Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 1:1-3).
17. The incarnation offers a compelling and transformative experience: The incarnation offers a compelling and transformative experience that has changed the lives of countless people throughout history, and continues to do so today (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20).
18. The incarnation demonstrates God’s love and humility: The incarnation demonstrates God’s love and humility, as He willingly takes on human flesh and submits to human limitations, in order to redeem humanity (Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 2:9-18).
19. The incarnation provides a unique solution to humanity’s problem: The incarnation provides a unique solution to humanity’s problem of sin and separation from God, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-26, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21).
20. The incarnation is a historically verifiable event: The incarnation is a historically verifiable event, supported by eyewitness accounts, archaeological evidence, and historical records (Luke 2:1-4, Matthew 2:1-12).
21. The incarnation has had a profound impact on human history: The incarnation has had a profound impact on human history, shaping Western civilization, inspiring art, literature, and music, and transforming countless lives (Acts 17:6, Revelation 7:9-10).
22. The incarnation offers a personal and relational solution: The incarnation offers a personal and relational solution to humanity’s problem, providing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, rather than a mere philosophical or theological framework (John 17:3, 1 Corinthians 1:9).
23. The incarnation demonstrates God’s commitment to justice and righteousness: The incarnation demonstrates God’s commitment to justice and righteousness, as Jesus Christ confronts sin, injustice, and oppression, and offers a new way of living (Matthew 12:15-21, Luke 4:16-21).
24. The incarnation provides a cosmic and universal perspective: The incarnation provides a cosmic and universal perspective, revealing God’s plan to redeem and restore all creation, and offering a hope that transcends human limitations (Colossians 1:15-20, Revelation 21:1-4).
25. The incarnation invites a personal response and commitment: The incarnation invites a personal response and commitment, calling individuals to repentance, faith, and discipleship, and offering a transformed life through Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15, John 1:12).

Concluding Remarks
As we conclude our discussion on the incarnation of Jesus Christ, we are left with a profound sense of awe and wonder at the magnitude of God’s love and humility. The incarnation, which represents the ultimate convergence of divine and human realities, stands as a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to redeem and restore humanity.
Throughout our exploration, we have seen how the incarnation:

• Establishes Jesus Christ as the sole author of salvation and the exclusive mediator between God and humanity.
• Provides the ultimate revelation of God’s nature and character, surpassing all previous revelations.
• Fulfills Old Testament prophecies and demonstrates God’s consistent plan of redemption.
• Offers a unique solution to humanity’s problem of sin and separation from God.
• Demonstrates God’s love, humility, and commitment to justice and righteousness.

The incarnation of Jesus Christ is not merely a historical event or a theological doctrine; it is a transformative reality that has shaped human history, inspired countless lives, and continues to offer hope, redemption, and restoration to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on the incarnation, we are reminded that Jesus Christ is not just a figure from history or a religious leader; He is the living, reigning, and redeeming Lord of the universe, who invites us to experience the depths of God’s love and the richness of eternal life.
May our exploration of the incarnation of Jesus Christ deepen our understanding, ignite our passion, and inspire our commitment to sharing the transformative message of God’s love and redemption with a world in need.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.