The Sinless Man
The Lord Jesus was holy in His birth: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee" (conception); "and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee" (in the womb); "therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee" (birth); "shall be called the Son of God" (Lk 1.35). Holy humanity typified in the "fine flour mingled with oil" (Lev 2.4).
He was holy in His life. Paul writes, "…who knew no sin" (2 Cor 5.21); Peter writes, "Who did no sin" (1 Pet 2.22); John writes "…in him is no sin" (1 Jn 3.5). No blame or blemish marred His lovely life. He was characterised by flawless holiness, faultless meekness, and fadeless faithfulness. He was untainted, untarnished, unstained, unspotted. His walk more precious than that of Enoch, His righteousness surpassed that of Noah, His faith outshone that of Abraham. His Sonship was superior to that of Isaac and more princely than that of Jacob. His meekness was more sublime than that of Moses, His grace eclipsed David's, He was wiser than Solomon. His vision was greater than Isaiah's, His compassion deeper than Jeremiah's. Luke gives responses to the Lord's question, "Which of you convinceth me of sin?" (Jn 8.46): "I find no fault in this man" (Lk 23.4); "this man hath done nothing amiss" (Lk 23.41); "Certainly this was a righteous man" (Lk 23.47).
The Serving Man
His was unceasing, unhesitating, unwavering service: "Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth (Is 42.1); He shall not fail nor be discouraged" (Is 42.4). He was mighty in word and matchless in wisdom. At 12 years of age, He could say, "Wist ye not…?" (Lk 2.49). He "came down from heaven, not to do (His) own will, but the will of him that sent (Him)" (Jn 6.38), and it is recorded of Him: "Lo, I come" (Ps 40.7), "He hath done all things well" (Mk 7.37). He is the
Self-humbled One Whose preciousness
Was told in every breath,
He served in full devotedness,
Obedient unto death.
(W Kirkpatrick)
The Submissive Man
"The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious" (Is 50.5): no spot or stain blighted His willing submission; in Luke 22.42 we read of Him praying, "nevertheless...". His was absolute devotion, complete consecration, and perfect obedience. "I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting" (Is 50.6).
The Steadfast Man
His steadfastness was unique: "I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed" (Is 50.7); "He steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem" (Lk 9.51); and "the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" (Jn 18.11).
The Sympathising Man
"A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench" (Is 42.3): He was tender and gentle, wholly devoid of harshness or hardness, but with sympathy for the diseased leper (touched), and for the despondent widow of Nain (restored her son). He cared for the demon possessed (cast out); for the distressed disciples in the storm (rebuked the wind and the waves); for the mothers with their children turned away by the disciples (suffer little children to come unto Me).
Such was the blessedness of our gracious Saviour.
The Suffering Man
He was the Man of sorrows, unknown, unappreciated, unwanted, despised and rejected, cast out, maltreated, taunted and made a spectacle yet, "when he was reviled, reviled not again" (1 Pet 2.23).
He was crucified, His visage was marred, He sank in the deep mire, and was forsaken. He expounded the freshness of love; He displayed the faithfulness of love; He manifested the fullness of love - Oh the unfathomable depth of suffering at Calvary.
The Sovereign Man
God has "set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Eph 1.20-21). "God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name" (Phil 2.9).
A Man in the glory
He is supreme in position and power, sovereign in majesty and might - He has the moral right as well as the royal might. He is glorious in His greatness and in His grandeur.
Concluded.
