… that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.
Summary: Back in the ’60’s, if someone told you something unusual or surprising, you might respond with, “Far out, man!” “Far out” was a reference to the expression “out of this world,” which meant something was very unusual. The gospel Paul preaches is “not of human origin.” It is both literally and figuratively “Far out, man.”
Since this post will be published on Christmas morning, it is fitting and perhaps providential, that this verse should coincide with Christmas Day. Christmas, after all, is the day that celebrates the birth of someone who, to quote Paul, “is not of human origin.”
That is an interesting thought, isn’t it? We focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus, but it is harder to focus on the Father of Jesus because he is beyond human.
Nine months prior to Jesus’ birth, God sent the angel Gabriel to visit “a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph” (Luke 1:27). She lived in a town called Nazareth in Galilee. At that time, the entire region of Israel was ruled by King Herod, also known as “Herod the Great.”
Luke records that “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world” (Luke 2:1). (Herod, even though he was king, was still subject to the Roman government.) The census required Joseph to go to Bethlehem because “he belonged to the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4). This sets off a chain of events that confuses the origins of Jesus even more.
Conceived in Nazareth by the power of God (Luke 1:35)), Jesus was born in Bethlehem. “He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph …” (Luke 3:23). While Jesus was still a small child, his family left for Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). Later, after the death of King Herod, his family returned to Nazareth (Matthew 2:21-23) where he grew to manhood.
Who is Jesus? Who is his Father? How is any of this possible?
This same Jesus who was conceived by God (Luke 1: 34-38), now stands at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). This Jesus, who was with God in the beginning before all things (John 1: 1, 14, 18) is the same Jesus who spoke to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19).
The Spirit of God becomes man, and the man, Jesus, returns to be with God. The gospel Paul preaches is all about Jesus, and Jesus is not of human origin.
Of course, what Paul is talking about is his message. The gospel message is not of human origin because, as Paul tells us in the next verse, he received it by revelation. This message from Paul is not an ancient teaching or the dream of a false prophet. What Paul is teaching is from Jesus himself. Both man and message are “not of human origin.”
Application: Ponder the differences between man and God.
Food for Thought: How do we as humans wrap our heads around something of non-human origin?
How do we as humans wrap our heads around something of non-human origin?
I’m contemplating that it has something to do with faith, and belief. I don’t have a full answer yet. But wanted to say merry Christmas.
Thank you, T&A!
Merry Christmas to you as well! May the Joy of this day fill your lives today and always. 🙂
12-25-2023, How do we as humans wrap our heads around something of non-human origin?
Mr T hit on it. everything about God all truth is a mystery to mankind and can only be received as we accept and begin to live in the faith given to us by the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:3, Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
Also see: John 6:44,16:7-11, 20:19-23, 15:26, Acts 2:1-11, Romans 3:22
Merry Christmas to all!!!
Thanks Ron!
I appreciate the emphasis on the mystery of God. Something that goes with an amazing mystery like God is “wonder.” Wonder is the capacity of the human mind to be dazzled by the Holy nature of God. Wonder and mystery are both beyond human reason.
I am with the others. I am not sure we can wrap our heads around this truth. The Incarnation is beyond words. My favorite hymn uses the words “ineffably sublime” (indescribably supreme or excellent) to describe our Creator. It could also be used to describe the Incarnation.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas, Rich!
Thank you for the phrase “ineffably sublime.” That in itself is a cause for wonder! 🙂
Blessings!
I’m greatly encouraged by everyone on this blog. The comments are kind, gentle, informative, educational, informative, and help guide toward a better understanding/relationship of God. Everyone is willing to understand different perspectives on the Living Word. Unless I or someone makes a false statement that isn’t aligned with God’s character or somr kind of heresy then I’d expect Jeff or Pastor Rich to come smack me across the head and set me back on the right path.
LOL!
Tim, you make me laugh! Thank you!
How about instead of smacking each other on the head we simply come along side each other and walk towards the Light? 🙂
Jesus says, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (John 12:46)