100 +100 =100

Philippians 2:5-8

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

This is a remarkable passage; however, verses six and seven can be confusing.

Jesus was born 100% man and 100% God. That can be a little confusing. False teachers use this passage to suggest that we, as humans, become God. The common false teaching is that Jesus “emptied” himself, meaning He was empty of His deity. This is nonsense; Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus emptied himself by adding His humanity, His flesh, and His blood. While it was not always visible, He was still God and did all His miracles as God.

This verse tells us that Jesus was human in the form of a servant of God. Jesus was human, which is why our relationship with Him is so special. While on earth, Jesus felt sadness, pain, and isolation. He felt loss, skin tearing under the Roman whip, and nails piercing hands and feet. And for that instant that He bore our sins, He was separated from God hence that awful cry, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? In a split second, Jesus was alone.

He also displayed his humanity with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. After Lazarus had died, as He knelt with Mary, He wept for Mary even though Jesus already knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead.

Jesus understands our life, He lived as a human, yet He was still God. We know this from the Mount of Transfiguration. It was there that Jesus pulled back His human curtain to reveal God. Matthew wrote: "And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Jesus was still God. Jesus’ sacrifice was agreed upon within the Trinity.

The Father did not force Jesus; this was not some cosmic child abuse as believed by those outside Christ. We know this was a decision agreed upon because Jesus told us, (John 10:17-18) "For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Human sin can only be paid for by a human, but only God can withstand the wrath of God. Jesus died to pay for our sins and absorb God’s wrath. Because of His sacrifice, God remains just and the justifier. In reality, we are saved by God, from God, for God. We are all sinners, but with our faith in Christ, we are made righteous. When He died, Jesus unlocked to door to heaven for those who believed. He reminds us of the wide and narrow gate. The wide gate is the gate to destruction. Jesus told us the only way to the Father is through him.

If you do not know Jesus, seek Him out. He is there knocking at the door, open it and let Him into your heart.

Mercy and Grace!