Christ the Humbled ... Amazing Grace

We pick up our study in Philippians 2:5-11, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.  Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The Second point Paul makes is that Christ was willing to be humbled.  Christ was God, but was willing to empty Himself and humble Himself.  He was willing to come to earth in the form of man to suffer all things like we do.  Jesus was even willing to come as a “bond-servant”, so that He may serve others.  Jesus, God in the flesh, became a slave to save you and me.  “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)  Jesus allowed himself to become flesh and actually dwelt among men.  God was on earth.  What a thought, God walking among man, the creator mingling with the created.  God sent Jesus to do what the law couldn’t do.  Man was too weak … too sinful to be able to keep the law.  We needed mercy.  Our sins demanded grace.  We got grace with a capital G. We got God’s only Son.  “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh.” (Romans 8:3) God was willing to send His only Son, Jesus, to earth as a man.  God came down from heaven just for you, just for me.  Jesus humbled himself and stepped out of eternity to become a man to save mankind.  “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. “ (Hebrews 1:17)  Jesus coming to earth was an act of amazing sacrifice and grace so beautifully expressed by John Newton.  Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.  And Grace, my fears relieved.  How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed.  Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home.

God Bless!