I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. (Job 1:20a)
At first blush this does not seem to be a verse one would think about at Christmastime, but these are the words that came to mind as I have been meditating on the birth of Jesus. Jesus did in fact come from Mary’s womb naked, and naked in every respect – physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Jesus divested Himself from every divine privilege and attribute He enjoyed in the safe harbor of the Holy Trinity.
Jesus did not put His divine power in His back pocket. He did not hide His abilities beneath a suit, hat and dark framed glasses like “Superman” trying to fit in and seem human. Jesus did not have a futuristic metal alloy skeletal system draped in flesh like the “Terminator” in order blend into humanity. He was fully human (flesh and bone-just like us) and fully God at the same time, but He left that divinity behind – out of reach. Jesus disrobed. He chose to be vulnerable – baby vulnerable in an evil world!
Jesus was no longer self-sufficient; He became physically dependent on His earthly parents, Joseph and Mary, for His well-being. Jesus needed to be fed, clothed, and changed. He chose a life of humility, servitude, and dependency. He was at humanity’s mercy without an escape clause. There were no cheat sheets, short cuts, or trained rescue crews standing by to pull Him out when things became dangerous.
Jesus was ALL IN!
More than just trusting Joseph and Mary, Jesus the Son trusted God the Father. He was obedient to the Father’s plan from start to finish – from baby steps all the way to sitting at the right hand of His Father. He lived dependent on our Heavenly Father for his protection and provision from incarnation - to crucifixion - to resurrection, and in every moment in between. Jesus came naked from the womb and died naked on a cross. He humbled Himself at birth and was humiliated in death. He poured out His life and suffered all of the indignities so we might have more and better life – better than we ever dreamed of.
So it is at Christmas that we ponder this great free gift of a poured out life in Christ. With blessed eyes we see the babe who would become a man acquainted with deepest sorrows, and if we listen closely with blessed ears this Christmas season, we will hear an invitation from Jesus to live the life He lived.
Jesus prayed to the Father:
I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. (John 17:15-18, emphasis mine)
It is a prayer that we live dependent - moment by moment - upon our Heavenly Father for our protection and provision. It is a prayer that we live ALL IN, trusting God just as Jesus did.
I am reminded that when Christ invited me to follow Him, it was an invitation to be “born” into a life that is dependent on God from beginning to end and all points in between. It is a life that starts with baby steps and leads all the way to glory. It is a life empowered by God’s Holy Spirit. Jesus has invited you into that very life too.
Merry Christmas and Grace to you.
Dave Paukner
