Paul, in his letter to Philippians, talks about a mind-blowing concept. The writer to the Hebrews takes up a similar line of reasoning here today.

The concept? Kenosis. Kenosis is the transliteration of a Greek verb which means make empty. Here’s the setting for Christ’s Kenosis.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Philippians 2:5-8 (emphasis mine)

This idea, of Jesus coming and living in the flesh, rises to the surface as a main theme of the book of Hebrews. The author is going to present Jesus as our Great High Priest. He argues that Jesus’ ability to identify with our humanity uniquely equips Him to mediate between man and God.

But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. – Hebrews 2:9

Jesus, creator of all things, holy and righteous, eternal and glorious Son of God, voluntarily and deliberately set’s aside His equality with God. He takes up residence in a suit of flesh and blood, with all the weaknesses that come with it. He does not stop being God but puts His omnies (omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence) in the closet like a winter coat. They are still His but He sees the plan of our redemption as more important than holding on to His deity. The Master becomes a servant.

That last phrase is not really right. Jesus came to be a servant we could see–so we would understand that God’s nature is that of a servant. It’s why Jesus washed the disciple’s feet. He demonstrated with His entire life that leading means serving, that being the greatest of all requires being the servant of all. That the path to glory was the path of the cross.

Jesus emptied Himself to demonstrate that setting aside rights and privileges holds a key to spiritual success. A servant’s heart ignites the pleasure of God. When He sees a man or woman step back from the selfish priorities of our day and love someone else, He calls all heaven to watch and cheer.

Jesus’ obedience brought about the exaltation of His name.

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:9-11

In the same way, humility and submission pave the way for God’s “well done” in our lives.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Blessings,

Ben

If you’ve missed anything – check out the Hebrews page to get caught up.