TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1855, J. Hudson Taylor did a radical thing--he adopted traditional Chinese dress as he ministered through China. Few had taken such a bold step prior to this time. But Taylor knew that if he were to be successful in reaching souls in the isolated, inland parts of China, he must speak the language, dress in traditional clothing, and make every attempt possible to adopt local customs. In short, Taylor knew that he had to become as much like those to whom he ministered as possible. His thinking was clearly inspired: the work of the China Inland Mission was enormously effective in reaching China with the love of Christ.

In God’s infinite love and mercy, He also knew that to redeem His people, He had to become like them. Perhaps this is why Jesus’ preferred title for Himself was “the Son of Man.” In Semitic languages, this term was used idiomatically for humanity in general or for a particular individual. Think back to our study in Philippians 2 (see December 9). Jesus was “found in appearance as a man” (v. 8). In Daniel’s vision, he said that “one like a son of man” appeared before him (Dan. 7:13). Both verses affirm the fully-human nature of our Lord.

It is significant, however, that Jesus always referred to Himself as the Son of Man, not a Son of Man. Jesus is not merely a human being--He is the human being--the perfect representation of God’s plan for humanity. Only in Jesus Christ do we behold humanity fully restored from the fall.

It’s not surprising that this perfect human being should be given “authority, glory, and sovereign power” and receive the worship of all peoples and nations (Dan. 7:14).

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What would it be like if our Savior had not been able to speak our language?

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