Philippians 2:7-8
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.
Introduction
Jesus was in Glory with the Father before creation.
Jesus as our ultimate example of Christian behavior, of humble self-sacrificing service to one another.
Act as citizens of Heaven by, not just emulating Christ’s example, but conforming ourselves to His example.
But emptied Himself
Jesus emptied Himself, made Himself less in order to serve.
How can I empty myself to serve?
taking the form of a bond-servant
But the word here is bond-servant, or really slave.
It’s a service personally chosen, and a service that lasts forever.
Made in the likeness of men
One of the best places to find this is in Isaiah 53.
Jesus was subject to getting cold, hot, tired, and sad, just like we are.
Jesus was born into, a poor working-class family
Jesus looked like any of the other boys from Nazareth.
God didn’t give Him a special Charisma
Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
His life was filled with sorrows.
Jesus knew about grief, and the death of relatives like Elizabeth and probably Joseph.
He humbled Himself
Jesus had the glory. It was His choice to set it aside.
Jesus chose to obey His Heavenly Father
obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
It was Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan, His love for God, and His love for us that kept Him on that cross, not the nails.
So what does He ask of us?
That we also be suffering servants.
That we also humble ourselves.
That we conform ourselves to the example of Jesus.
That we also choose to obey our Heavenly Father.
That we take up our cross and follow Jesus.