The Second Adam

Scripture Reading — Romans 5:12-19

The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven.
— 1 Corinthians 15:47

Have you ever played the game “Grab the Bacon?” Two teams face each other in an open field, and a sock or towel (the “bacon”) is placed on the ground between them. A runner from each team races out to grab the “bacon,” and the one who brings it back gains a point for the whole team. The team’s success depends on one representative.

Romans 5 teaches that our original “representative” was Adam (Genesis 2-3). And when Adam sinned, we all lost, taking on the curse of sin and death. But God sent a second Adam, Jesus. And for all who trust in him, Jesus puts right what Adam put wrong.

The first Adam bore God’s image but marred it, seeking self-exaltation. The second Adam, Jesus, is the true image of God, “the exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3), and Jesus puts his Father first.

The first Adam gave in to temptation and lies. The second Adam, Jesus, defeated temptation by declaring the truth (Matthew 4:1-11). The first Adam brought misery. The second Adam brought mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, and life everlasting.

Jesus is the representative head we need.

Have you heard him calling? He says, “Follow me!” (Matthew 4:19; John 21:19).

Dear Jesus, thank you for showing us how to live. Thank you for the victory you have won for us. Guide us to follow you as our head. We owe everything to you. Amen.

Written by: Lora Copley