And being found in appearance as a man…
Summary: Paul is walking us through what it means to think like Jesus. His understanding of the Lord is reflected in the clarity of his description of what sets Jesus apart.
Paul is in the middle of describing the mindset of Jesus Christ.
Whatever you might think of Jesus, it seems obvious he was in a pickle. Here he was, the one through whom all things were made (John 1:3), reduced to being a social outcast in his own creation. (His disciple, Nathanael, when he found out Jesus was from Nazareth, said: “Can anything good come from there?” — John 1:46).
God could have ensured his Son would be accepted by making sure his authority was legitimized. Instead of obscuring his royal lineage by having him born in a manger, secreted in Egypt, then raised in Nazareth of Galilee, Jesus could have been raised in a royal family in Jerusalem or as an heir to the priesthood.
God could have made certain that Jesus would be respected, but he didn’t.
Instead, Jesus was “found in appearance as a man.” Just a man. Nothing special. In fact, not only not special, but raised under a cloud of shame because of the appearance that his birth was illegitimate.
You might say the cards were stacked against him in every way.
What does this tell us about the “mindset” of Christ Jesus?
As we continue to study more of this passage, we will discover that Paul is going to explain what this means. For now, let’s look at where Paul is taking us.
First of all, Paul points out that Jesus “made himself nothing” (v 7). He goes on to explain that Jesus took on the nature of a servant. Now, in the form of a man, he humbles himself (v 8) and makes himself obedient to his Father.
That’s it.
Paul doesn’t provide any more details. Jesus was humble before men and obedient to his Father.
If we know nothing else about Jesus, that is enough. If we are going to have the same mindset as Jesus, that is our goal.
Amen. So be it.
Application: Strive to be as humble and obedient to God as Jesus.
Food for Thought: How does humility and obedience to God change us?
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There is only one place I know of where Jesus tells us His heart. In Matthew 11: 29 He says that He is “gentle and humble in heart.” If we want to be like Him we also should desire to be gentle and humble in heart. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3: 34; James 4: 6). So humility changes us from our carnal nature to be more like Him. Just as obedience allows us to deny to self to do His will.
John 1;: 23 – 24a: Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching.”
Obedience pleases the Father. So I think obedience changes our priorities from pleasing ourselves to pleasing Him.
Thank you, Rich!
That is a GREAT insight! 🙂
Well stated Rich!
How does humility and obedience to God change us?
Jesus is our example, our power to live our lives in obedience to God over our flesh.
Philippians 2:7-9, But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.
All believers have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, 1 John 1:7, empowered by the Holy Spirit of God, Ephesians 3:16, to live as witnesses of God, as we allow Jesus Christ to be seen in our lives. Acts1:8
We increasingly die, separate ourselves from the power of self interests, as we grow in our awareness of the power of God in our lives. Becoming small as God brings previously unknown peace and joy is our new reality, and found only in Christ. This new person we become will find true peace comes through serving and giving to others rather than ruling and taking from others.
Matthew 6:33, But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
James 4:10, Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Luke 14:11, For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Thank you, Ron!
Your words are insightful:
“… as we grow in our awareness of the power of God in our lives. Becoming small as God” … becomes BIG.
I added that last part, but the way you said it is key.
It is like looking at a skyscraper from a mile away. It looks small and we feel BIG. Then, when we get closer, the building looks BIG and we feel small.
As we get closer to God, the same thing happens.
Good devotion and very comments from Rich and Ron.
How does humility and obedience to God change us?
Humility and obedience to God changes our perspective. We no longer see ourselves as important under our own right, but as important to our Creator. It changes the conversation in our head. We realize that our plans will fail, but God’s plans will succeed. Knowing that God intends good for us, and in trusting His Holy Spirit, we may appear to be wise, but in humility we know it is His wisdom that governs our life.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom.
James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Humility and obedience to God changes us as it brings us in harmony with His Spirit, and in harmony with those who are seeking His Spirit.
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Humility and obedience to God changes us our Spirit, we no longer seek what the world has to offer, but seek to be pleasing to God.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
Humility and obedience to God changes us into honorable people.
Proverbs 29:23
One’s pride will bring him low,
but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
Thank you, Chris!
Much appreciated! I especially liked your comment:
“It changes the conversation in our head.”
So true!!
Good devotion today.
Thanks, Jeff
Thanks, Paul!
I’m thankful for you reading and sharing your thoughts! 🙂