The K Chromosome

By Brenda Black

Men and women are different. Really. Scientist document that if the two sex chromosomes both look like “X’s” in the genetic code of a human body cell, we are looking at a girl. If one of the pair is shorter and does not match its partner, that “Y” chromosome indicates a male. There you have it.

Even without the scientific stuff, most breathing human beings can tell the difference within our species by simple observation. Shes are softer, have more curves and bumps and often will inadvertently sway at the sight of someone else rocking a baby. Hes have more hair where the girls don’t grow it. They take bigger strides and enjoy all kinds of body function humor. Our emotional banks run on two entirely different computers. The pitch in our voices is at opposite ends of the scale. Many differences define the male and female. It comes down to the chromosomes and hormones God placed within us.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

And about now, you are wondering, where is she going with this. Glad you asked. I’ve been thinking: the same God who fashioned us with such intricate detail to clarify male from female also distinguished his own son with a special genetic code.

Christ was a man, yes. But he was God as well.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:1-4)

“...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Jesus was an unexpected king and quite extraordinary. His kingdom had no boundaries or earthly throne. It could not be measured by miles or magistrates or legal residents. His kingdom was not accepted. Christ arrived on a donkey colt.

“See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9b)

He washed his disciples feet. He ate and drank with sinners and didn’t have a home, much less a palace. What Jesus did have, though, was a supernatural genetic element I like to call the “K” chromosome. It made him different from any other man or woman. He had undeniable authority, he worked miracles, he knew the hearts and minds of men, and could calm the waves and stop a storm.

Chromosomes are tiny objects inside the cell nucleus of every living thing, with each creature having a specific number. When God said that each thing he created should reproduce after its own kind, he made that possible with this amazing built in design. Only one creature, however, came with the label “Made in the Image of God”. While our genetic code is comprised from the combination of parental ancestors here on earth, it is our Heavenly Father and our Holy Brother Christ who contributed the most.

With that in mind, we have to consider not only our eye and hair color or our height. We must look deeper and search out the hidden qualities inherited from God. The abilities to serve and love when it is difficult, to deny ourselves and take up the cross, to bring peace in the midst of a storm are all complements of the K chromosome.

One paragraph in the World Book Encyclopedia under the topic of heredity concluded that one of the most remarkable features of the genetic code was that it is probably as old as life itself. I can explain that. In the beginning was the K chromosome, better known as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He makes the difference in every man and every woman. There you have it – Real Science.