Scripture Read Mark 10:35-45 (CEB)
Focus Verse Mark 10:45
For even the Human One (Son of Man) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Commentary: Advent is our opportunity to explore not just the easy parts of the incarnation, but also the uncomfortable and challenging aspects of what it means that Jesus was fully human, that God took on flesh and in so doing limited himself. Not only did Jesus have a fully human body, but also a fully human mind, heart, and will. It is a paradox that we believe Jesus both knows all things as God and doesn’t know all things as man. This is not really a contradiction, but it is considered a peculiar gift and glory.
The Common English Bible uses the expression "Human One" in order to highlight the meaning of the Greek phrase, uios tou anthropou, what we usually see translated Son of Man. It is Jesus' favorite way of referring to himself, using the phrase 86 times in the NT. Many times we gloss over the expression Son of Man and fail to grasp the depth of meaning it holds. In our reading it becomes just a title. And yet, that is the argument against the use of the title Human One. Son of Man has become a title so well known that to change it would offend people. But Human One does have an incredible depth of meaning, this phrase that underscores the humanity of Jesus. It is often hard for people to internalize that God suffered, sometimes arguing that Jesus didn't really suffer at all, that he was just going through the motions or even that he didn't have a real body. What do you think?
Reflection: How do you understand the incarnation, Jesus as both human and God?
Prayer Breathing in … Jesus, Human One
Prayer Breathing out … Enliven my Humanity
If music is a spiritual pathway for you, today is a 2 for 1. I invite you to listen to this mashup of Mary, did you Know? and Away in a Manger sung by Tiffany Alvord & Maddie Wilson. It is a celebration of Jesus as a human being from the crib to the cross.
Note: Mary, did you Know? has become a Christmas favorite in recordings and in churches these days. I was alerted by a friend recently to a word in this song that is offensive to the deaf community. This one simple word makes a huge negative impact on persons who have lived their lives being called derogatory names and made to feel less than. I invite you, as you listen, to simply imagine that the word "mute" is substituted for the word "dumb." It is a small change that makes a huge difference to people who are beloved of God.
We invite you to worship with us today as we celebrate with a special musical presention!
Go to https://www.hckaty.org/
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