Teaching Students About Incarnation
The incarnation is a fundamental doctrine in Christian theology which affirms that Jesus Christ was God in human form. Christians believe that Jesus, who is the second person of the Trinity, has two natures – a divine nature and a human nature – which are perfectly united in one person.
Teaching students about incarnation is important because it helps them understand the significance of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection in the Christian faith. It also teaches them about the nature of God and the relationship between God and humanity.
Here are some suggestions on how to teach students about incarnation:
1. Use Scripture as the foundation
The Bible is the primary source for teaching about incarnation. You can begin by reading key verses that highlight the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, such as John 1:1-14, Philippians 2:5-11, and Colossians 1:15-20. These verses help students understand the importance of Jesus in the Christian faith and how he was fully God and fully human.
2. Discuss the importance of the incarnation
Help students understand the significance of the incarnation by discussing its impact on the Christian faith. The incarnation makes it possible for Christians to have a relationship with God, as Jesus has revealed God’s nature and character through his life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Through the incarnation, God demonstrated his love for humanity and provided a way for us to be saved from sin.
3. Compare and contrast the two natures of Jesus
Discuss the two natures of Jesus – divine and human – and how they are united in one person. Talk about the differences between these two natures and how Jesus could be both God and man at the same time. You can use examples from Scripture, such as when Jesus experienced hunger, fatigue, and pain, while also performing miracles, forgiving sins, and raising the dead.
4. Apply the doctrine to everyday life
Help students see the practical implications of the incarnation by discussing how it applies to their lives. Talk about how the incarnation calls us to love and serve others as Jesus did, to imitate his humility and sacrifice, and to trust in God’s love and provision.
Teaching students about incarnation is a rich and rewarding experience. It helps them to understand the nature of God and the depth of his love for humanity, as well as the significance of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection in the Christian faith. By grounding them in Scripture and helping them see the practical implications of the doctrine, we can equip our students to grow in their faith and live it out in their daily lives.