who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
How low did the Lord Jesus humble himself for us?
After Jesus was arrested, he was brought to the leaders of the synagogue to be tried even though the time had not yet been set. While on trial, He received a slap from one of the leaders of the Temple guard (John 18:22). Did He not create our hands? Can you imagine laying hands on Almighty God? The guard thought he was only a human. Yes, when Jesus lived here on earth, He was 100% man but at the same time, He was also 100% God.
He didn’t just accept insults but much suffering. Bound, crowned with thorns, scourged, carried on a heavy cross, until He was crucified right here. Punished even innocent. He stripped himself of being God to be a slave. Why? Because this is the only way for us to be forgiven, restored to God, and have eternal life.
It says in Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death…” The death of an innocent person is the only offering acceptable to the Holy God. At any time, the sinner cannot pay his debt to God, so Jesus who was without sin suffered “once and for all” for the people. “Salvation is found in him alone, for there is no other name on earth that God has given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
It is difficult to understand that God who is Omniscient (knows everything) did not retreat to death even though He knew what He would face would be very difficult; the Omnipresent God did not leave the crucified; and that the Omnipotent God humbled himself, became man, and died on the cross for our salvation. Beating for our well-being. Bound for our freedom. Gave Himself for us to be freed from sin. That’s God’s love for you and me!
What is our response to His love now? Even if we can’t think of laying a hand on the Lord, each time we forget that He is God, each time we disobey, each time we think that He cannot save us completely, we hurt Him. But because of his love, even now, we can run to Him, repent, and start over.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, because of Your love, You gave me a solution to my biggest problem: sin. I repent of all my sins. I accept that your death on the cross made it possible for me to be forgiven. I surrender my life to You. I believe that You can save me completely. Rule me and help me live according to Your will.
Application:
How can Jesus’ example of humility help you in your current situation?
Related Think Over:
