Our Constant Star: Day 13

Read & Journal

Read Philippians 2:6-8. Ask yourself:

• What does this passage teach you about Jesus? Jot down a list in your journal.

• After reading this passage, why did Jesus come to live among us?

• Why is it important that Jesus was fully human like us?

• Why is it important that he was also simultaneously fully divine? Explain.

• Look at verse 7, which might include the phrase “emptied himself” (CSB) or “gave up his divine privileges.” Why does that matter? What does it help you to understand about Jesus?

• What key phrases or words stick out to you most as you read these verses? Why?

• How was Jesus’ death on the cross humbling? Explain.

• Criminals were usually crucified for sins they had committed, yet Jesus, who was sinless, died for our sins. How is that truth humbling to you?

• Journal a prayer of thankfulness, praising God for Jesus’ obedience to do all that was necessary to save us.

Ponder

Remind us Lord of life and grace

How once, to save our fallen race,

You put our human vesture on

This week, we’ve been studying the incarnation, pondering what it really means that Jesus put on flesh and tabernacled among us (John 1:14). Today’s passage, Philippians 2:5-8, gives us a beautiful, poetic picture of what that truly means.

Scholars believe that Philippians 2:5-11 is likely an early Christian hymn designed to praise Jesus. It touches on a number of important theological and doctrinal topics, ranging from Jesus’ preexistence and divine nature to the incarnation and lordship. But the beauty of the hymn, at least in my opinion, lies in the fact that it gives us a clear picture of what Jesus accomplished by becoming human. Let’s dig into that:

Verse 6: Jesus, who is God, willingly left his high position in heaven to focus on our needs. He was not selfish or arrogant, but the ultimate example of humility, making our needs more important than his position.

Verse 7: The Greek word used here, kenosis, signifies emptying or depletion. It’s Jesus’ self-sacrificing act of becoming like us. We must be careful here, though, not to dip into heresy. Jesus did not empty himself of his divine attributes, but rather set aside his privileges as God to become like us.

Verse 8: Becoming human like us was an act of humility, but Jesus went even further. Verse 7 tells us he became a servant, treating our needs as most important. In verse 8, we see that he humbled himself even further by dying on the cross. Romans used crucifixion as a way to execute foreigners and slaves, and was very rarely employed against Roman citizens. It was a slow, painful death, designed to humiliate the criminal in every way possible. Yet Jesus was not guilty of the crime. Instead, he died to pay the penalty of sin for the world.

As Christmas draws near, let’s not forget why Jesus’ birth is worthy of such celebration. In coming as Mary’s son, fully divine and fully human, Jesus set aside the glory and honor he deserved. He came to live among us, to know our hurts and frustrations, to understand the pull of temptation as well as fear, grief and sadness. He who deserves our highest praise became like a servant and died a criminal’s death—all so that we might live in eternal relationship with God.

Sing the hymns of Christmas with joy and gratefulness this week, knowing that Immanuel has come and made a way for us!