“but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”
We come to the fourth statement about Jesus’ condescension to humanity.
and coming in the likeness of men.
Jesus was born in the “likeness of men.” His birth was like that of other men, yet distinct.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The word “became” means He become something He was not before; what He was before was God. Now He changed from His preexistent deity to humanity.
Jesus was born of a woman; His human origins were not from a male because His birth was via a virgin.
“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman…” (Gal 4:4).
Jesus’ virgin birth meant that He did not have a sinful nature. As well, He never committed an act of sin. These two facts qualified Him to die for our sins as the spotless lamb of God.
“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on the account of sin.” (Ro 8:3)
“For we do have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:15)
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” (Heb 2:14)
The angel Gabriel said to Mary: “. . . that Holy One who is to born will be called the Son of God” (Lk 1:35). Jesus’ birth was unique. Everything about Him was unique. He was truly God and truly man. His first coming was unique, and so will be His second coming.
Without His unique birth, there is no way those without Christ could get to heaven. He had to take that body to the cross to suffer for sin:
“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for me” (He 10:5).
PRINCIPLE:
The birth of Jesus was unique; He was qualified in an exceptional way to die for our sins.
APPLICATION:
Do we hold Jesus unique in our hearts?
