He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross!
Into the Text
God’s plan has always been that His glory be revealed through His poverty. The root word for “poor” in the New Testament means “someone who is destitute of resources.” Why in the world would the God of the universe become “poor”? Colossians says that all things in heaven and on earth were created through Jesus and for Jesus.
Jesus is before all things, and all things are held together in Him. Basically, Jesus Christ has it all, which is the furthest thing from being destitute. And yet, “although he was rich, he became poor.” Why?
He did it out of His great love for us. He obeyed the Father. He did it “for [our] sakes, so that [we] by his poverty could become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). This is the great exchange. His glorious riches for our poverty. Our poverty for His glorious riches. This is the most extreme expression of love. This is grace unfathomable, incomprehensible, unmatched, and immutable.
Such grace is only possible because of the “attitude” of Christ. Though fully God, Jesus didn’t consider equality with God something to be grasped. He chose to obey the Father’s will, humble Himself, veil His glory, empty Himself, take on the form of a slave, place Himself in a feeding trough, and become the bread of life! As a result, God the Father chose to “exalt Him and gave Him the name that is above every name.” Praise His holy name!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you fully obeyed the Father’s will. You humbled yourself to become a man, were mocked and beaten, and died a shameful death. But now you reign above it all. Show me how to obey like you did. Amen.