Philippians Christ Humility
Though he was by nature God, he did not consider equality with God as a prize to be displayed, but he emptied himself by taking the nature of a servant. Philippians 2:6-7a (EHV)
If we consider humility as accepting a lower status than that to which we are entitled, there can be no more extreme case than that which is described in this passage.
Consider the pre-incarnate state of the second person of the Godhead. The opening verses of John’s gospel (John 1:1-4 EHV) state, “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 everything was made, and without him not one thing was made that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.” Lest there be any doubt about who this ‘Word’ is, John clarifies a few verses later (John 1:14a EHV) with, “The Word became flesh and dwelled among us” and recounts how John the Baptist identified this Word as Jesus Christ.
The omnipotent Creator of the universe took on human form. The contrast in status cannot be put into words or even comprehended. Jesus willingly set aside the majesty due to Him. During His life on earth, while He continued to be God, He set aside His divine supremacy so that He could live the life of a true human being in our place. How difficult it must have been to remain humble and resist the temptation to exercise His divine authority and command the honor rightly due to Him!
God became man. There can be no greater lowering than from ultimate perfection to lowly human. But that is what had to happen in order for God’s Son to be able to take our place, living the perfect life that we could not and paying the price for all of our sins.
All praise to Thee, eternal God,
Who, clothed in garb of flesh and blood,
Dost take a manger for Thy throne,
While worlds on worlds are Thine alone. Hallelujah!
Once did the skies before Thee bow;
A virgin’s arms contain Thee now,
While angels, who in Thee rejoice,
Now listen for Thine infant voice. Hallelujah!
The Lutheran Hymnal 80:1, 2