Jesus willingly became man for each and every one of us. Gave it all up. The perfect life, the perfect scar-less body, the perfect unmarred connection with his Father. He did this all willingly for us. Not for glory or fame or fortune or any other lesser thing. You see, He already had everything. Except our freedom; our freedom from sin and death.

And He loved us deeply. He still does. That is why He humiliated himself, because of His love of us. Pure, unconditional, unadulterated love. So we might be freed from the grasp of sin and become alive with Him forever. Our savior did this for us. For the love of each of us. And for the the love of His Father. He wanted His Father’s will to be done. May GOD grant us eyes to see and ears to hear His words today. May GOD give us this grace. And then, may GOD give us the grace to humble ourselves for the love of GOD and others. Just like Jesus did! Amen.

Philippians 2.7-9

7 but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by being obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore, GOD has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does Jesus emptied himself mean?

+ How exactly did he do that? 

+ Why was this emptying needed? 

+ Is there any other way?

Hebrews 2 14-17 tells us:

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Jesus’ death was necessary in order that we may live. Jesus’ life here on Earth was His willing sacrifice for our lives. Jesus lived and died because He loves us. The only thing He gained by doing so was our freedom. He already had everything.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there a habit or tendency that you have that misrepresents the Gospel? How can you be honest and vulnerable about that? Share it with a friend or trusted mentor

+ In what ways is GOD calling me to humble myself? How am I doing in obeying GOD’s call? 

+ Are there any areas of my life where pride reigns? Pray to GOD and ask for His forgiveness and help in slaying pride

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who might GOD be calling me to humble myself for? How am I doing with obeying this call in regards to others?