In 1995, Joan Osborne sang ONE OF US, a song that asks,
“What if God was one of us?
Just a slob like one of us?
What if God was one of us?
Just a stranger on the bus,
Trying to make his way home?”
Were I a record producer I would have said, “Sorry. It’s been done. Your song is derivative of the entire New Testament. God already became one of us—see, for example, all 29 books of the New Testament. God thought up the Incarnation long, long ago.”
Why did Jesus ask John to baptize him? The baptism was a sign indicating one had turned his back on sin. Jesus had no sin. So why did Jesus ask John to baptize him? And why did God show his approval by sending the Holy Spirit as a dove, and by saying, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased”?
But baptism showed his humanity. He identified himself with us. He was one of them—one of us! Sure, he is FULLY GOD. But he is also FULLY MAN. His baptism shows his humility.
There is something very vulnerable about being dunked and coming up all dripping, your hair flat, hands too wet to grip—it’s a humble moment.
And for Jesus it is another in a long train of humble moments: the God of all creation becomes an infant? Born in a stable or barn or cave? Must run for his life to Egypt? And on it goes….
By being baptized, Jesus showed that he is one of us. Do you get that? It’s not just that he understands or sympathizes.
He literally IS one of us. He made himself human, and will forever REMAIN human. He remains God also, of course. But the point is, he actually IS ONE OF US. He really does understand your life, your problems, your struggles, your sadness and hurt and failures and disappointments. He gets it. He gets you.
And that’s why you can go to him with all your struggles. Because he loves you and he understands and longs to help and comfort you.
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, and yet is without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” Hebrews 4:15-16.
Jesus, thank you for being baptized and for proving that you really are HUMAN, that you really are one of us, our older brother, ‘the first-born among many brethren.’ Remind us to come boldly to you, to pray with confidence, as you command. Remind us never to flee from you or avoid you, but help us run TO you and come boldly before your throne of grace—what a name: “THRONE OF GRACE.” Help us walk in your grace every day, praying, confessing, thanking, and praising you all day! Amen.
ΑΩ
*This is not a comment on whatWikipedia describes as “the American religious advertising campaign” called ‘He Gets Us’ and operated by HeGetsUSLLC. This devotional was written before that campaign existed. To be more specific, I do not know enough about it to comment one way or the other on the HeGetsUS campaign.
Household Words: 