He Emptied Himself
“Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the
form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be
grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the
likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself,
becoming obedient unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” – Philippians 2:5-8
These words about Jesus describe his existence before becoming a man, and the
depth of his self-emptying in his death. It was his self-emptying that makes
him our model, and his sin-bearing that makes him our Savior. Try to read
Jesus’ words, as if for the first time: “Come unto me all you that are weary
and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of
me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your souls.”
- Matthew 11:28-29
His self-emptying was essential for our rescue. From that humility he easily
loved all who were not offended in him. None were so unclean that he would not
touch them - even the dead. He did not mind that he was despised by religious
people for associating with sinners. Indeed, his rejection had been foretold (
Isaiah 53:3), even being spat upon (Isaiah 50:6).
If we consider the depth of his humility, do we see the life we have been
called into? Are we like him while being boastful, smug, condescending - even
arrogant? Humbling ourselves in repentance toward God, we prepare to receive
the Spirit of Jesus in the self-surrender that is baptism. Only his Spirit
within us can produce a growing likeness to him – as we repeatedly die to the
pride of life. “For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’
sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
-2 Corinthians 4:11
Paul warned the Corinthians of some who “gloried in appearance, but not in
heart”(2 Corinthians 5:12). Even our reasoning must be brought into captivity
to the obedience of Christ ( 2 Corinthians 10:5). “Now some are puffed up, as
though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord
will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.”
(1 Corinthians 4:18-19) The presence of Jesus’ power will pierce our remaining
pride. Uncorrected, pride leads to lying, even murder. See Proverbs 6:17 and
John 8:44.
Jesus emptied himself of the glory he had before the world began, that we might
see in him the humility we were created to have. Since we are creatures, we
have no life in ourselves. If we do not receive his life - we have no future.
It is always pride that keeps us from receiving his life - repeatedly. Our
illusions of goodness blind us, but we can ask the Lord to reveal our sins.
We cannot be filled with Jesus – while being full of ourselves.
3/7/04