GOD CONTAINED IN A BABY!

Monday, December 3, 2018

GOD CONTAINED IN A BABY!

Phil 2:5-7

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

           Scholars agree that the phrase “made himself of no reputation” indicates that Jesus divested himself of certain attributes and prerogatives of deity so that he might take on the form of a servant. This process has troubled theologians for many years and will not be finally explained here. The Greek verb used is ekenosen and so the process, among scholars, has come to be known as Kenosis. It would be wrong to assume that Jesus abandoned deity in favor of manhood but it is clear that certain adjustments had to be made in order to squeeze the godhead into a baby’s frame. This is part of the wonder of Christmas.

           Various aspects of the life of Christ clearly proves that deity did reside in the body of a man. Jesus’ miracles prove his deity. Nicodemus, in John 3, said: “no man can do these miracles except God be with him.” He was very close to the truth. Not only was God with Jesus but God had taken up residence in man. Perhaps the most revealing account of deity in humanity was what we call the transfiguration. Both Matthew and Mark give a written account of it.

Mark 9:2-6

2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

           We must leave the cradle and proceed to the cross in order to fully understand the purpose of the incarnation. God came down and became obedient to the death of the cross so that he might taste death for every man.

Heb 2:9-10

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Dear Jesus, we are in awe of your majesty and glory contained in a baby’s frame. It is too marvelous for us to fully understand. How can we fault Peter’s confusion at the transfiguration when our own minds fail to comprehend such wonder? Thank you for your humiliation on our behalf. AMEN