“There was one feature of the bestowal of Michael which was utterly foreign to the Jewish conception of the Messiah, and that was the union of the two natures, the human and the divine. The Jews had variously conceived of the Messiah as perfected human, superhuman, and even as divine, but they never entertained the concept of the union of the human and the divine. And this was the great stumbling block of Jesus’ early disciples. They grasped the human concept of the Messiah as the son of David, as presented by the earlier prophets; as the Son of Man, the superhuman idea of Daniel and some of the later prophets; and even as the Son of God, as depicted by the author of the Book of Enoch and by certain of his contemporaries; but never had they for a single moment entertained the true concept of the union in one earth personality of the two natures, the human and the divine. The incarnation of the Creator in the form of the creature had not been revealed beforehand. It was revealed only in Jesus (Yeshua); the world knew nothing of such things until the Creator Son was made flesh and dwelt among the mortals of the realm.” (136:1.6)
I must admit that when I first heard about the Urantia Book, what our community often calls the Book of Truth, Truth Book or simply “The Book,” I was skeptical. I started out by reading about the Book instead of initially reading the Book itself. This caused even more concern because what I was reading was written by detractors of the Book who had never even read it in the first place. I prayed for several weeks about it and finally had enough courage to begin reading, starting with Part IV, the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ. Coming from a Catholic background I was somewhat nervous as to what I was going to be reading. One of my main concerns was probably about how certain nominal Christians had claimed that the Book denied the divinity of the Messiah. As I continued reading and studying, with the Bible in one hand, I could see that their claims were not true. One verse in the Book stood out for me – 136:1.6. In my mind this was clear evidence of truth regarding the divine and human natures of Jesus.
I would like to take a moment to focus on this passage. The central theme in this verse revolves around the unprecedented and revolutionary concept of the union of two natures within Jesus— the human and the divine. Contrary to the prevailing Jewish expectations of the Messiah, the concept of a dual nature, where the divine and human are seamlessly united, was entirely foreign to their understanding. Throughout their history, the Jews had envisioned the coming Messiah in various capacities, ranging from perfected human to superhuman, and even divine. However, the idea of a unified human and divine nature was a mental obstacle even for some of Jesus’ early disciples. Their comprehension was rooted in human, superhuman, and divine concepts separately, but they had not entertained the possibility that these natures could coexist in the person of the Messiah.
The incarnation of the Creator in the form of the creature was not a preconceived notion in the Jewish mindset; it was a revelation brought forth by the life and teachings of Jesus. The union of the human and the divine in one earthly personality, as exemplified by Jesus, was a concept previously unknown to the world. This revelation challenges traditional beliefs and introduces a paradigm shift in the understanding of the nature of Messiah.
The nature of this revelation lies in its impact on the disciples’ understanding of Jesus’ identity. This is a departure from conventional expectations and a deepening comprehension of the extraordinary nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine. This insight was not only an intellectual concept but a very deep truth disclosed through the life and mission of Jesus on Urantia.
As disciples of Jesus in the contemporary era, the revelation of the union of the human and the divine in his personage carries timeless lessons. The understanding of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine challenges us to reconsider and reshape our perspectives, guiding us towards a more enriched and serious spiritual life.
Speaking for myself, the revelation prompts me to embrace the complexity and depth of my own humanity. In recognizing the human nature of Jesus, I am reminded that he experienced the full spectrum of human existence—joy, pain, temptation, and triumph. This encourages me to approach my own life with authenticity, acknowledging my vulnerabilities, and seeking growth through the challenges I encounter on a daily basis. Understanding the human aspect of Jesus fosters empathy and compassion, urging me to connect with others on a deeper level.
Simultaneously, the revelation of Jesus’ divinity encourages us to strive for spiritual growth and divine connection. Recognizing the divine nature within him can inspire us to seek a closer relationship with the transcendent and to connect our lives with higher principles. It can challenge us to reflect on our actions, motivations, and values, aspiring to embody the divine qualities of love, compassion, and service. The union of the human and the divine in Jesus teaches us about the importance of balance and integration in our own lives. Rather than compartmentalizing our human and spiritual dimensions, we are urged to integrate them harmoniously. This means bringing our spiritual values into our daily actions, relationships, and decision-making processes. By doing so, we emulate the holistic example set forth by Jesus.
The revelation also calls for a willingness to transcend unnecessary religious dogmas and preconceptions. Just as Jesus’ disciples initially struggled with the unfamiliar concept of the union of the human and the divine, we are challenged to question and expand our own understanding of spirituality. This involves cultivating an open mind, embracing mystery, and recognizing that divine truth may transcend human comprehension.
The revelation of the dual nature of Jesus serves as a guide for modern day disciples, urging us to live authentically, seek spiritual growth, integrate our human and divine dimensions, and remain open to the expanding understanding of divine truth. By embodying these principles, we can contribute to the ongoing legacy of Jesus’ teachings and work.
Upon learning spiritual truth of any value, we have an obligation to share it with others. Thus, how do we actually help others come to a better understanding of the dual nature of Messiah? Helping others grasp this truth requires a thoughtful approach. Not every situation is going to be the same. I am certainly not an expert on the Urantia Book, but here are some points that might assist.
Before engaging in discussions, we need to equip ourselves with a deeper understanding of the Book’s teachings regarding this special dual nature. Being well-versed in the relevant passages and the broader context in which these concepts are presented can go a long way when sharing with others.
As with any time we are sharing spiritual truths with others, we should approach conversations in a spirit of openness. Create a safe space for discussion where individuals feel comfortable expressing their own thoughts and beliefs. Encourage questions and listen attentively to others’ perspectives.
We can emphasize shared values and beliefs that are similar with the teachings of mainstream religions. It also makes it easier to find common ground to build upon, fostering a sense of understanding. This can serve as a bridge for introducing new and potentially challenging concepts.
Another approach is to illustrate how an understanding of the dual nature of the Messiah can contribute to personal growth, compassion, and a deeper connection to spiritual principles. In this regard, we can share personal insights and experiences that demonstrate the power of these teachings.
The teachings in the Urantia Book are very deep and often times they can cause confusion for some. Complex spiritual concepts can often be clarified through relatable analogies and metaphors. Drawing parallels to familiar ideas can aid in making the teaching about the dual nature more accessible to those unfamiliar with the Book’s teachings.
An important way of offering additional support is to share relevant literature, articles, or multimedia resources that cover the teachings from the perspective of the Urantia Book. Offering supplementary materials can aid individuals in exploring the concepts at their own pace. We never wish to push the teachings or our personal beliefs on anyone.
Encourage readers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and beliefs. Suggest contemplative practices, such as meditation or prayer, that can provide a space for personal insights and connections with the teachings of the Book.
Recognize that each person will have varying levels of comfort with challenging theological concepts. Approach discussions with compassion, acknowledging that beliefs are deeply personal and can evolve over time.
Foster a culture of curiosity and inquiry within your discussions. Encourage readers to explore the teachings of the Book with an open mind, inviting them to seek understanding rather than conforming to preconceived notions or to what a detractor of the Book wrote.
Another approach to sharing this teaching, and really any teaching of Jesus is to live by example. W can demonstrate through our actions and character how these teachings can be life changing and contribute to a life of purpose, compassion, and spiritual growth.
By approaching discussions with humility, empathy, and a genuine desire for mutual understanding, we can create an environment conducive to exploring and appreciating the deeper teachings of the Urantia Book.
(fa)