But (Jesus), made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:7-8
Jesus “emptied Himself, taking upon him the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men.” JFB
In His incarnation:
” …when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou would not, but a body hast thou prepared me. Hebrews 10:5
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same” Hebrews 2:14
John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. “
- He was, “made of a woman, made under the law, ” Galatians 4:4
- ” and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them” (His parents) Luke 2:51
- ” Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon?” Mark 6:3
- He was betrayed for the price of a servant. See Exodus 21:32
Jesus took on willingly the form of utter dependence upon His Father. See John 5:19 and 30. He assumed humanity in it’s lowest degree.
“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2Corinthians 8:9
Louis Sperry Chafer teaches us in his Systematic Theology, ” Jesus, “was weary, thirsty, in agony, grew and waxed strong in spirit.” “He was tempted, was self-limited in knowledge, He was made for a season lower than the angels. He prayed, and recognized the power of darkness. He slept on a pillow in the boat. He was baptized, and walked two days journey to Bethany. He wept at Lazarus’ tomb. He knew what was in man. He cried out forsaken of His Father, He died a bitter death.
Perfect humanity, yet without sin, (see Luke 1:35, Hebrews 4:15, John 8:46) Jesus “thought it not robbery to be equal with God” yet emptied Himself of Deity, only doing what the Father did, during His time on earth.
Psychology labels “personality” as ” …the enduring configuration of characteristics and behavior that comprises an individual’s unique adjustment to life, including major traits, interests, drives, values, self-concept, abilities, and emotional patterns.”
Assumed by myself, as encouraged by Dr. Carl H. Stevens in several messages and books, is the thought that Jesus did not make this “adjustment to life” which is defined as “personality.” Indeed , this action would have reduced, limited or enhanced His pure humanity. Simply put, Jesus did not operate in a personality, which word originates from Greek theater and describes a Mask worn during performances.”
What is the point?
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” Brothers and sisters if we “reckon ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin” as exhorted in Romans 6:11, do we also discard our soul propensity to limit, reduce, or fortify our natural humanity? Where would this leave us?
In utter dependence on God? Yes in utter dependence on His grace.
“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” Hebrews 12:15
Beloved, it’s all grace, not personal soul powers or defense mechanisms. Not living in denial, or repressing pain, or withdrawing, or discovering self-actualization etc. Not comparing one with another but as Paul, “I am what I am by the grace of God.” 1 Corinthians 15″10
In closing, “Hebrews 12:28 teaches, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”
Yes, our gifts and natural endowments differ, but all of it is by grace!
love ya
