There is something to be said about a God who wanted to make it so clear that He wanted a personal relationship with us that He gave Himself to us as one of us.
We like to talk about the ordeal of being known on this site, but have we taken the time to consider that God went through that ordeal so He could be known?
He did not even come down as some great and all powerful being. He stepped down to earth in the form of a baby, reliant on Mary to care for Him as a mother. He was reliant on Joseph and Mary to raise Him. These two people especially . . . . they got to know Him as parents.
I'm no parent; I can only extrapolate from what I've heard parents say. So I can only imagine what Mary saw through that lens. Yes, she knew this was the Son of God. She knew who He was. But this was also her son. Her baby boy. She held memories of Him kicking inside her. Memories of Him going from baby to toddler, and Him learning how to function like all babies. Memories of Him going from toddler to young child, to teenager, to adult; all the while being her baby boy. Joseph in respects likely had the same.
And God let Himself be seen that way. He let Himself be Mary's precious little baby boy, let Himself call her Mother. Maybe even Mama. Form a parent-child relationship where He, the creator of the universe, savior to the world, all powerful, all knowing, almighty, was in the position of child.
As He grew, He most likely had friends He had, who got to know Him as well. He allowed Himself to be on their level. To be known as a friend that way.
And His disciples . . .. even to them, He allowed Himself to be known. He did not simply teach them and distance Himself from them- He bonded with them. He was dear to them, as they were dear to Him.
We say that God could've just come down with trumpets blaring and fanfare, and come in the way He deserved. And He truly deserved better. He deserved all of that, and He is so far above us that He had every right to remind us of our place in accordance to Him. He could have easily made it so He was not submitted to the authority of a sinful, earthly parent. That He was not so heavily involved and attached in the lives of His friends and disciples. He would have well been within His rights.
But instead, He chose a personal connection, desiring to be close to us on every level. He found no shame in being six pounds, helpless, vulnerable, and dependent on a mother's love and care. He found no shame in getting close to the humans around Him, creating emotional bonds and showing Himself to them.
God wanted to be known. God wanted to be personal. There is a reason the metaphors used to describe God, such as Father, are the ones that are chosen. It is because He wants to be close.
He wants relationship.
