The Divine humanity.
"Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God."
I. THE CLAIM.
1. Viewed in the light of human work. A man, to teach, to atone, to lead, as never man did. Compare the human supply of such wants with that provided by God in Christ.
2. Viewed in the light of Scripture promises. The line of prediction from the protevangel to the promise of the "Sun of Righteousness with healing in his wings."
II. THE PROOF OF THE CLAIM.
1. The superhuman character of Christ's humanity; as spotlessly pure, coming forth out of an impure nation and decayed religious life; as supreme in spiritual qualities—love, self-sacrifice, etc.
2. The direct testimonies given by God, at birth, baptism, with a voice from the cloud, etc.
3. The works of the Lord himself. Their authority thus solemnly and conspicuously put forth by the Apostle Peter; their embodiment in the gospel; their harmony with the character and mission of the Savior; their superiority to all others, before or since. "God did them."
III. THE APPEALING FORCE OF THE CLAIM.
1. A "great salvation!" "How can we escape, if we neglect" it?
2. A Man amongst men, touched with fellow-feeling, tenderly claiming obedience.
3. A Name which gathers round it the testimony of the multitude which no man can number, approved by the facts of salvation in the past, waiting to find in us another proof that he is "able to save unto the uttermost," etc.—R.