Perhaps one of the most difficult things to explain and grasp is the mystery of the incarnation of Christ. Christian theology understands that Jesus is God in the flesh, but Jesus did not cease to be God when he became flesh. He still prayed to the Father and was obedient to the Father. Even though Jesus was God in the flesh, there was still only one God.In reflecting on the mystery of the incarnation, Augustine writes the following:
"The Word of the Father, by whom all time was created, was made flesh and was born in time for us. He, without whose divine permission no day completes its course, wished to have one day for His human birth. In the bosom of His Father He existed before all the cycles of ages; born of an earthly mother, He entered upon the course of the years on this day.
The Maker of man became man that He, Ruler of the stars, might be nourished at the breast; that He, the Bread, might be hungry; that He, the Fountain, might thirst; that He, the Light, might sleep; that He, the Way, might be wearied by the journey; that He, the Truth, might be accused by false witnesses; that He, the Judge of the living and the dead, might be brought to trial by a mortal judge; that He, Justice, might be condemned by the unjust; that He, Discipline, might be scourged with whips; that He, the Foundation, might be suspended upon a cross; that Courage might be weakened; that Security might be wounded; that Life might die.
To endure these and similar indignities for us, to free us, unworthy creatures, He who existed as the Son of God before all ages, without a beginning, deigned to become the Son of Man in these recent years. He did this although He who submitted to such great evils for our sake had done no evil and although we, who were the recipients of so much good at His hands, had done nothing to merit these benefits."
How remarkable the lengths the God went to in order to reconcile us to him! Imagine the journey of leaving Heaven and entering this world as a small, dependent, vulnerable baby. Imagine the one who fashioned the universe having to learn a trade so he could fashion stone and wood. Imagine him who is all knowing having to take language and arithmetic lessons.
Truly, Jesus has walked in our shoes. Jesus is God's word that has become flesh. God didn't send radio waves, a tract ministry, newspaper columns, or any other such thing. He sent his word become flesh to live among us and not only teach, but demonstrate God's message. Before Jesus leaves, he says, "As the Father has sent me, so I also send you. (John 20:21)." Paul's philosophy of being "all things to all men" in order to share the Gospel and help the lost be reconciled to God comes from Jesus himself and serves as an example for us. Jesus wants God word to continue to become flesh in us.