⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men

Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)

JESUS: GLORY INCARNATE

As we approach this Christmas season, it is important to remember the “reason for the season.” God loved us so much that He gave us the ultimate gift. Jesus willingly left Heaven—a glorious place beyond our comprehension—to enter a dark world. He did not come as a triumphant king, as was expected, but as a baby, born in a manger. He became like us while still being fully divine. Steven Cole beautifully reminds us:

“There can be no greater example of lowering oneself than what Jesus did on our behalf. If your heart is cold toward the things of God, think on who Jesus is and on what He did in leaving the splendor and purity of heaven and coming to this wicked world to be made sin on your behalf. It should fill our hearts with love and devotion and make us realize that no personal sacrifice we make, no humiliation we go through, can ever match what our glorious Savior did for us!”

Paul notes that Jesus “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped” (v. 6b). The King James translation reads that Jesus “thought it not robbery to be equal with God” (v. 6b). The Greek translation of the word “robbery” means to “grasp, cling to, clutch, or retain at all costs.” Jesus was (and is) God. He had every right to assert that privilege while here on Earth. However, He laid down that right (while still being fully God and fully man), choosing not to cling to the treasure of Heaven or clutch the prize of being in the form of God.

Paul reminds his readers how far Jesus went on their behalf. Jesus “emptied himself,” “taking the form of a servant” (v. 7a). When Jesus emptied Himself, He did not give up His possession of deity but rather His expression of deity. He did not relinquish His glory but veiled it for a time. He took on the form of humanity, notably coming to Earth in the form of a servant (v. 7b). Ponder that dichotomy: Jesus, the Son of God, coequal with God, came to Earth as a lowly servant. Remember, in those days, servants (bondservants or slaves in various translations) were the lowest of the low. They had no rights or privileges. Jesus loved us enough to “serve, and not be served” (cf. Mark 10:45).

Christmas is called the “season of giving,” but often that sentiment is overlooked. Let us take a moment during this busy time of year to ponder all that Jesus gave up for us. He never once asked, “What’s in it for me?” He did not take selfies or promote Himself on TikTok or Facebook (though He was the ultimate social influencer long before the age of social media).

As you reflect, consider following Jesus’ example: empty yourself of whatever status you see yourself possessing. Serve others out of love for them and love for God. Do this in remembrance of the precious gift He gave!

Diggin Deeper (er):

John 1:14; 2 Cor 4:6; Heb 1:3

Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.