And now, Father, grant me the same glory that I shared with you before the creation of the world, in your own presence. (John 17:5)
God is Jesus Christ. He thereby fully partakes in God’s grandeur. This was true before the earth was made, and it will continue to be true forever. But He was prepared to temporarily set aside this splendor in order to make peace with sinful humans. He was a regular human being born into the world; nothing unique about Him. He appeared to be a typical Jewish man. Isaiah claims that because He lacked “no form or majesty,” He was hated by people.
The depth of Jesus’ humiliation is seen in Philippians 2: He took on the role of servant for everyone, accepted an unjust death sentence, and died on a crucifixion. He relinquished His glory only once His purpose was completed. The wonder of Jesus is his fullness of grace in the midst of man’s imperfection. He humbled Himself to enter our world, laying aside His splendor and power. (Song by Keith & Kristyn Getty, “Fullness of Grace”)
How far did Jesus go to save people? Do you give Him credit for that?
