When you think about it, how much do you limit God and your relationship with Him? Although He is limitless, He does place limits on Himself in relation to us, which gives us the ability to make decisions for ourselves. All that was said to open your heart to allow God to do more in you than you currently think possible. Some believe the mysteries of God are beyond searching out; but in truth, they are meant to be searched out as hidden treasure. To say God never intended for us to know His mysteries is like saying He gave us the Bible to be used as a center piece on our coffee tables. All that’s required is we dust it off from time to time. Of course, that’s absurd. He gave us His Word, so we may know Him. One of the reasons Holy Spirit came is so we can know Him, His Word and His mysteries. 1 Corinthians 2:7-10 But we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. Why then shouldn’t we be able to search out the mystery of the Trinity? Let’s start with the birth of Jesus.
There are three positions that Jesus holds simultaneously: Son of man, Son of God and God the Son (see also “The Nature of Jesus (Part One)” and “The Nature of Jesus (Part Two)” for more on this). This truth helps us unlock the mystery of the Trinity. What can we find in Scripture in relation to His birth?
Matthew 1:20-25 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.
We find Immanuel means God with us. Now compare this with another passage: For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Even though Jesus was born in a manger as a human being, we find Him called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father (Everlasting Father –KJV) and Prince of Peace. Incidentally, the word, “Prince” does not refer to a son of a king; rather, it means a captain, ruler or head person (of any rank or class). It has also been rendered as “captain,” “general,” “governor,” “lord” and “master.” As the Child in the manger, He came to represent man to God (Son of man). Before going further, remember two things: God can do and be as He pleases –He is God! Number two, don’t lean on your own understanding; lean on His. As the Son of man, He is fully human; otherwise, He could not have represented us on the Cross. Jesus made Himself vulnerable for our sakes. While on earth, He did not live as God, even though He was still God. Philippians 2:5-8 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. He made Himself dependent on Father and Holy Spirit, which shows us how we are to live our lives as well. While being subject to natural laws, natural laws were subject to Him because of His submission to Father. Jesus did what He saw Him do and said what He heard Him speak (see John 5:19-23). Through the power of Holy Spirit, He operated in the spiritual realm, causing nature to obey His commands. In that same power, He healed people and did miracles. When John (the Baptist) baptized Jesus, Holy Spirit came upon Him as He came up out of the water (see Matthew 3:13-17). Of course at that time Father said, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This too, shows the Trinity.
When the Magi (wise men) came from the east to see Jesus, what did they do? They worshipped Him and offered gifts (see Matthew 2:1-8). They did so by choice. Had Jesus stood as God the Son, they would have had no choice, but to bow. Examine Scripture and you will find when people faced Him in His glorified state, they fell on their faces without making a conscious decision. They had to be told to stand up. And that was while having visions. As already stated, God has limited Himself. Jesus limited Himself when He was born in the manger, even though Isaiah told us the government would rest on His shoulders, which reveals He has all authority. This helps define meekness: power under restraint for the sake of love. Jesus said, “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father” (John 10:17-18). If you really want to reveal the love of God, live a life of surrender to Him.
