One Like Us: Advent Reflections on the Humanity of Jesus

Why did Jesus do what he did?

The Incarnation of Jesus means that, though he is the Son of God, Jesus is one like us (Heb 4:15), having experienced a full range of emotions, struggles, successes, and failures. Far from removing himself from the pain and suffering of his day, Jesus reached out in compassion, restored those who were suffering, and returned frequently to his source of strength. As we prepare for the Christmas celebration of the Incarnation, these sessions provide us an opportunity to reflect on the humanity of Jesus. By exploring these questions—What did Jesus do? Why did Jesus do it? How was Jesus able to keep doing it?—we will come to know more deeply that Jesus is one like us, and in our response and service to others, we are also one like him.