Bible Verse of The Day – 11-13-19

Philippians 2:7 (NKJV) 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Jesus “made Himself of no reputation”.

It might also be translated as “He emptied Himself”.

Jesus did not, however, empty Himself of His deity. He simply voluntarily set aside His privileges as God, rendering Himself a mere man, walking out His earthly life as a servant to humanity.

He became fully human, yet He did so while remaining without sin; something no other human can ever accomplish.

He took on “the form of a bondservant”.

In choosing to become a human, His purpose was to serve and obey the will of the Father, even to the point of being willing to lay down His life.

Bondservants were considered to be the lowest status on the social ladder in those times. This is the exact opposite of Him being called “Lord”, which is indicative of one who reigns over all.

As he also did in verse 6, Paul chose to use a Greek word for “form”, indicating exact essence. So, He wasn’t just an imitator. He was a true servant.

And He came “in the likeness of men”.

Jesus did not just appear to be a man. He was more than just God in a human body. Being so would not have sufficed or allowed Him to fulfill His purpose here on earth.

The word “likeness” emphasizes identity. In other words, He was a man in every aspect.

He took on all the essential attributes of humanity, even identifying with basic human needs and weaknesses.

He felt hunger, anger, sadness, betrayal, disappointment, joy, happiness, pain, sorrow and temptation.

Unlike all other humans, though, Jesus was sinless.

Hebrews 4:15 (NKJV) 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

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