Jesus In The Neighborhood
Christmas reminds us of the incarnation, which means God took on flesh and joined the human race. One of my favorite verses is John 1:14a in The Message Bible, where it says, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.”
Some people struggle with the idea of Jesus being human, and others struggle with his divinity. He was the perfect God-man. I’ve always found myself drawn to the human aspect of Jesus. The fourth chapter of Hebrews tells us that Jesus was tempted in all ways like we are, and yet he didn’t sin.
I like the idea that Jesus the God-man experienced the human condition. He grew up in a neighborhood with children his age. He most likely had rock-throwing contests with His friends. This is when you find out who has a strong arm, who has the best aim, and who can sling a rock across water with the most skips.
Most every neighborhood has a bully. Bullies like to impress their friends, so they look for an easy target. With the scandalous story of who his daddy was—or wasn’t—Jesus was most likely picked on by the neighborhood bully. I was bullied in school, and it was terrifying. When I cried out, “Jesus, help me,” it was comforting to know he understood and could relate to the fear of being terrorized by a bully.
Up until a certain age, I wasn’t interested in girls. They had cooties as far as I was concerned. However, one day I looked at the same girls and everything changed. I thought to myself, Oh man, those girls are beautiful! I’m sure Jesus experienced the same thing. I’m glad Jesus could understand my temptations.
Did Jesus get zits as a teenager? I know—you’re thinking that’s gross, Steve—but it helps me to know that Jesus lived in a human body and experienced the same things we humans experience.
Jesus learned the family business, carpentry, from his dad. I did enough construction work to know that accidents happen, and usually pain and blood are involved. When Jesus hit his thumb with a hammer, did he say, “Jesus?” The thought crossed my mind because when I hurt myself, sometimes I say, “Steve,” as in Steve, watch what you’re doing.
I have to imagine with four brothers and two sisters there was squabbling in the house sometimes. My two sisters and I didn’t always get along, so when I prayed, “Lord, help me know how to deal with my sisters,” Jesus knew where I was coming from.
Later on, Jesus faced the pressures of leading twelve men who could be a handful. As a leader myself, I’ve faced some really hard days—but I know that Jesus understands because he faced hard days in leadership too.
In our modern-day setting, it’s difficult to imagine what having Jesus in the neighborhood would look like. But be assured—he would understand you on a human level. There is much to be thankful for in this Christmas season, but one of the things I am most thankful for is that Jesus lived in a neighborhood and understood the messiness of everyday life. And because he did, he can sympathize with us and help us.
Christmas blessings,
Steve