"...although He [Jesus] existed in the form of God, [He] 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." (Philippians 2:6-8)
Paul wrote these few verses as part of an encouragement to the Philippian church to be like Christ, reminding them of the example He set for them. In these verses, we see a picture of the Lord’s deep love and humility. As part of the Holy Trinity, Jesus is God. Imagine how amazing it is to be the one and only God! To be king over the entire universe, having all power and dominion. And yet… Jesus did not consider this privilege “a thing to be grasped” when He came to earth. Rather, He was willing to give it up - to give up His place beside the Father, all the authority and comfort of being God - to come to a place full of suffering, sorrow, and pain. He poured Himself out on our behalf. He was beaten, mocked, and killed. But He did all this so that we could be redeemed and brought to His side.
Friends, do we understand the implications of this? Jesus considers us to be more important than keeping His status as God. In the eyes of our Lord, we are a treasure of enormous worth.
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