Chapter 3: The Restorer of Manhood

Initial thoughts: The already/not yet!!  So good and so true, to remember both sides of that balance in life as Christ has secured and restored us in God's sight and yet is still working on us to bring us to be more in His image.  Interesting thought that we have to start culturally to address a problem, and then socially, and then personally.  It sounds about right.  I also really liked the idea that Jesus always faces sin head-on, which is best illustrated by the fact that He took on humanity and came to attack it head on.

Key words/phrases/sentences:
- Restoration (p. 42-45); the act of returning something to its original state; biblically we also make a case for the restoration of God's intent for man, that although we individually have not been like Adam was, God wills that we would be that way.
- Reconciliation (p. 43-44); "a change wrought in the personal character of the sinner who ceases to be an enemy to God by wicked works, and yields up to Him his full confidence and love."  It is already/not yet.
- prototype (p. 45); Jesus sets the mold for what we were supposed to be.  We see God's divine intent for humanity in Jesus' life.
- God became man (p. 49-52); the immense importance of understanding the full humanity of Jesus so that we can appreciate His ability to overcome temptation and His understanding of everything we experience (happiness, pain, grief, joy)
- The driven Jesus (p. 56-58); fully committed to the Father's plan and work, letting no obstacles come in His way and keeping consistent communion with God, he "must" be about His Father's work.
- The overcomer Jesus (p. 58-61); in no way did Jesus give into His temptations
- The sensitive Jesus (p. 61-64); completely understanding and empathetic to the human situation.
- The jealous Jesus (p. 65-67); the most important thing to Jesus was staying connected to the Father- His greatest temptation was to avoid the cross because it would cause that connection to sever, though temporarily.

Things to explore:
- How have I seen evidence of restoration and reconciliation in my life?

Familial relations continue to improve. I've found myself failing in some areas but yet God restores me, and sometimes to a better position than I was before. I find it harder to keep grudges, at least not without completely destroying my heart in the process.

- What parts of the prototype Jesus sets do I need help with?

All of it? Recognizing that Jesus, like us, is multi-faceted and really understands the entire human side of humanity. It doesn't make logical sense but the appeal of a God who intimately knows exactly what I am experiencing, not just because of omniscience but actual, real-life experience. . . that's pretty cool.

- Which aspect of Jesus highlighted appeals the most to me?  The least?

I like the driven Jesus, because it sounds a lot like me. When I have a goal in mind, I make it work, no matter what. It is easy for me to stay focused, even in the busiest times. Probably the hardest for me is the overcomer. It makes sense, but I have a hard time identifying because I know that I cannot do that. And I suppose maybe that is part of the point.

Important verses: 1 Corinthians 15; Colossians 1:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Titus 2:11-15; 1 John 3:1; Hebrews 4:15; Luke 9:58; 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:13-17; Matthew 4:1-11; John 11:35; John 2:17