Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
Chrysostom is quoted saying Psalm 8 language applies “more properly to Christ according to the flesh,” and that it’s “amazing…that our flesh should sit on high and be adored by angels”—how does the idea that angels adore glorified human flesh in Christ change what you believe God thinks about the human body, human nature, and the material world?
Another way to ask: If angels honor human flesh in Christ, what does that say about how God values the human body and the physical world? How might that change what you believe about being human?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the transcript, it raises the view that God highly values human nature and even human flesh, since in Christ our nature is exalted into the heavenly realm and is honored by angels—showing “great zeal on behalf of our nature.”
- Chrysostom says Psalm 8 is about human nature generally but “more apply properly to Christ according to the flesh.”
- He emphasizes incarnation and exaltation: Christ “assumed our nature and uniting our nature to himself, he became higher than all.”
- The striking claim is explicit: “our flesh should sit on high and be adored by angels and archangels and cherubim and seraphim.”
- Chrysostom’s response is amazement and elevated expectation: “I am amazed…imagine myself great things concerning the human race.”
- He interprets this as God’s valuation: “God makes a great account of it…God has great zeal on behalf of our nature.”
- The speaker connects it to ascension with a body: Jesus “ascended with a glorified body of flesh…[and] sits in the heavenly realms.”