Have you ever wondered about the origins of Jesus? Many seek clarity on how and when Jesus came into being. Understanding when Jesus was “made” touches the heart of our faith, revealing truths about His nature and role in creation.
This article will explore the biblical understanding of Jesus’s existence, grounding our insights in Scripture and the foundational beliefs of Christianity. By delving deeply into the Word, we encounter a clearer picture of who Jesus is.
When Was Jesus Made?
Jesus was not “made” in the same way as creation is made. According to Christianity, Jesus is eternal, existing before all things. He was never created; instead, He is God who took on human form.
The Eternal Nature of Jesus
In John 1:1-3, Scripture affirms the eternal existence of Jesus: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This passage decisively states that Jesus has always been with God and is, in fact, God Himself.
His existence precedes creation. John 1:3 explains, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” Here, we see that Jesus is actively involved in creation, rather than being a part of it in a temporal sense.
The Incarnation: Jesus Becomes Flesh
The moment when Jesus took on human form is known as the Incarnation. This happened at the conception of Jesus in Mary’s womb, as described in Luke 1:31: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.” This moment marks His entrance into humanity but does not mark the beginning of His existence.
The Incarnation highlights a profound mystery — that the eternal God became fully human while retaining His divine nature. Philippians 2:6-7 reminds us, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”
The Relationship with the Father
Understanding who Jesus is also involves understanding His relationship with the Father. Jesus often spoke of His oneness with the Father, emphasizing that He was sent by God to fulfill divine purposes. In John 14:9, Jesus states, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” This revelation illustrates that to know Jesus is to know God intimately.
Jesus in Historical Context
In a historical sense, Jesus lived on earth approximately 2,000 years ago, between 4 B.C. and A.D. 30 or 33. This time frame is crucial in understanding His impact. Despite being fully God and eternal, He experienced human life fully and personally.
His teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection changed the course of human history, bringing salvation to sinners through the grace extended by His sacrifice. The Gospels provide a narrative of this lived experience, showing how the eternal God entered into the messiness of life.
The Implications of Jesus’s Nature
Understanding His Divinity
Recognizing that Jesus was not created challenges us to rethink how we understand God. John 8:58 shows Jesus declaring, “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” This statement claims His eternal presence and divinity, linking Him to the name of God revealed in Exodus 3:14.
If Jesus were made or created, it would undermine His authority and the power of His sacrifice. Believers find assurance in knowing that the one who died on the cross is also the one who created the universe.
The Significance of the Resurrection
The resurrection completes this picture of who Jesus is. In Revelation 1:18, He proclaims, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” The resurrection signals victory over sin and death, affirming His divine nature.
For believers, the resurrection is central to faith. It signifies that Jesus’s eternal life is available to all who trust in Him, echoing the essence of John 3:16, where God’s love offers eternal life through faith in Jesus.
Jesus as the Redeemer
Understanding when Jesus was “made” also brings us closer to understanding His role as our Redeemer. He willingly took on human nature to become the sacrificial Lamb, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:5: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.” His incarnation was not simply about becoming human; it was about fulfilling God’s redemptive plan.
The Role of Faith in Comprehending Jesus
Grasping the divine nature of Jesus often requires faith. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Believing in Jesus’s eternal existence and His role as God can feel abstract. Yet, faith transforms our understanding and allows us to embrace the mystery.
Reflecting upon Jesus’s life and teachings, we see the importance of developing a personal relationship with Him. Philippians 3:10 encourages believers to “know Christ — yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings.” This engagement deepens both understanding and worship.
Practical Implications for Believers Today
Living in Light of Jesus’s Identity
As followers of Christ, we bear the responsibility to reflect His character in our daily lives. Understanding that Jesus is both God and man leads us to recognize the uniqueness of our calling. We are to be Christ-like in our interactions with others, embodying love, mercy, and forgiveness.
Embracing Our Role in the Great Commission
Matthew 28:19-20 commissions believers to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” Recognizing who Jesus is propels believers to share the Good News. Understanding that Jesus is God incarnate equips Christians to communicate the depth of God’s love for humanity.
Cultivating a Life of Prayer and Worship
Knowing Jesus’s divine nature cultivates a life of prayer and worship. Engaging with Him becomes natural when we understand that He is not merely a historical figure but a living Savior. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He listens and cares for us.
Reflecting on Our Identity in Christ
As believers, our identity is rooted in who Jesus is. Ephesians 2:10 helps us understand this: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” This verse identifies us not as mere creations but as active participants in God’s ongoing story of redemption.
Conclusion
Understanding when Jesus was “made” encompasses more than historical dates; it involves grasping His divine nature as God eternally existing, taking on human form. This truth carries immense weight for daily living. It shapes our understanding of God, empowers us in our faith, and directs our relationships with one another.
Engage in prayer today, reflecting on Jesus’s eternal existence and His incarnation. Ask God to deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and what that means for your life. Let this truth inspire transformation, prayer, and a deeper relationship with God.
To further grow your faith and explore more topics, you might consider reading about how the birth of Jesus is described in Scripture or discover what Jesus looks like according to the Bible. Each exploration can enrich your understanding and draw you closer to Him.