Philippians 2:7– But Empties himself

… Who being inherently in the form of God, deems it not pillaging to be equal with God, nevertheless empties Himself, taking the form of a slave to be in the likeness of humanity..

Paul does not leave us guessing what he means when he says that Christ Jesus “emptied Himself.” He explains it immediately by adding, “taking the form of a slave.” Notice the striking contrast he draws. The One who is “in the form of God” willingly takes “the form of a slave.” Christ Jesus’ self-emptying is explained, not by what He laid aside, but by what He took upon Himself.

Although He was the Son of God, He voluntarily took the place of a slave. He made Himself completely available to do the will of His God and Father. Thus He learned obedience through the things He suffered (Heb. 5:8). His constant attitude was, “Behold, I have come to do Your will” (Heb. 10:7). This is the very mindset Paul sets before his readers.

Paul further adds that He came to be “in the likeness of men.” He does not say that Christ Jesus became a man, but that He became like men. The Son of God did not claim any privileged position, but became one of them. This makes the depth of His self-emptying all the more remarkable.

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