And that is a matter that I do not believe that we as humans on earth will ever truly understand. Presumably we will understand after our own resurrection, else it will not matter to us then. For now, we have God in incarnate form, called Jesus, reaching down to man on his own level.
Subtle but significant.
From the earliest Christian writings to today, sometimes much more than subtle.
I'm really, really not trying to beat a dead horse here, but I find I can't let this comment go without saying something. Please indulge me for a moment. I do not accept at all the idea that in order for Jesus never to sin that he somehow had to "subordinate" his human will to his divine will. That would be a kind of "cheating". Why would scripture state he was tempted in all parts as we are yet he was without sin? He was/is fully human and fully divine and the fact that he lived a perfect sinless life was why his sacrifice on the cross was for our sins. He had no sin to make payment for of his own. He was the spotless lamb of God.
I also disagree that Jesus only gave us a peek at his human nature from time to time (like at the "passion"). He was hungry, he got tired and weary, he cried, he needed to eat, he got thirsty, he slept. He also performed miracles, he knew people's thoughts and schemes, he knew of future happenings. He was both human and divine.
And Markbsnr, I agree with you that I do not believe that we as humans on earth will ever truly understand. Presumably we will understand after our own resurrection, else it will not matter to us then. For now, we have God in incarnate form, called Jesus, reaching down to man on his own level. See I can be reasonable. :o)
That is something that would be very near and dear to Orthodox Christians and many Catholic monastics I have read. It is the core of Mariology in both Churches.
What do you know of Mary's character? Did she ever draw attention to herself? Or is she "transparent?" What is her most redeeming characteristic that all mortals are called to strive for? Perfect obedience. The only thing we know about her will is her submission.