Though Incarnation is not in the Bible it is a term used to explain this season. The word comes from the Latin verb incarno, which means in flesh or to make into flesh. In the passive form, it means "to be made flesh." The most explicit Biblical affirmation of this word is in John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
This profound truth that Christ, the one who has always existed and has been with the Father from eternity past, takes on flesh and becomes the God-man (one who is fully God and fully man), is a fact we will never plumb the depths of. But there is one aspect of the incarnation that I find myself returning to again and again and that is Christ’s meekness.
One google search of meekness used in a sentence: "All his best friends make fun of him for his meekness." Many other searches had similar negative connotations, but it is quite obviously positive in scripture. Jesus said of himself, “I am meek (some translations use gentle) and lowly in heart.” (Matthew 11:29)
Meekness is not using the power you do have for the sake of a higher cause. Jesus arrived in weakness and vulnerability as a baby instead of entering our world as a conquering King. The eternal creator of the universe comes in the form of a newborn baby. The glory is seen in the scriptures when every time he had an opportunity to display his power while on earth, to shield him from the human experience, he did not, including and, most importantly, death.
This meekness is further revealed in his identifying himself as a servant. “Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) His meekness/ gentleness is something to meditate on and lead one to worship. Unlike humanity, which exerts its power to win, Jesus came meekly into the world and left the world meekly by dying on the cross.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Jesus is approachable because he is meek, and in his gentleness, we can find rest in him. This is why we first encounter the Holy One, God in the flesh, as a newborn baby. Thirty years later, when he is engaged in ministry and displays his power by healing the sick, raising the dead, calming the storm, and miraculously providing food for thousands – He says: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Celebrate that your salvation was won by his humility. Draw near to him, and he will draw near to you.
