Although there were a few preliminary events leading up to the birth of Jesus, the story of His birth begins with the angel’s announcement to Mary that she would give birth to the Son of God even though she was a virgin. Naturally, this announcement seemed inconceivable to her, simply because she was a virgin. The Virgin Birth is an essential element of the Christmas story because Joseph could not be involved in producing this baby if the baby were to also be the Son of God. In fact, it was Mary who would conceive in her womb the embryo of a unique creation, a creation placed in her by God.
Writing to the Church in Philippi, the Apostle Paul gave the early church a glimpse into this mystery (Phil. 2:5-11). He used the Greek word, morphe, which refers to the “essential nature” of something or someone. Paul tells us that Jesus had the “morphe” of God as well as the “morphe” of man. In other words, Jesus possessed the “essential nature” of God as well as the “essential nature” of man. Actually, Paul also used the Greek word “doulos” which means “slave,” and so Paul was emphasizing the fact that Jesus became what the world considered to be the lowest class of humankind, as well as to emphasize what Jesus Himself said, that He came “…not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45).
And so, Paul tells us that Jesus was born with two natures, one being fully God, the other being fully human. We have deity appearing in human flesh, but that human flesh was also “sinless” human flesh. Like the theologians of old would say, “He was able to sin, but more importantly, He was also able not to sin.” Whereas we are all born with what the Bible calls a “sinful nature,” Jesus did not have such a nature, even though it was fully human. As a man, he got hungry, thirsty, and tired, but as God, he could do miracles that the people proclaimed that only God could do. And He could also live a sinless life, which was necessary because when He died on the cross, He was able to become our perfect sacrifice for sin, “…as of a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19).
I find it interesting that this great theological section of Paul’s letter was actually written as an exhortation to the church in Philippi to have the same attitude Jesus had, that is, an attitude of humility. Not only did Jesus humble Himself when He took on human flesh, but He also humbled Himself when He became obedient to dying on the cross. Paul was using Jesus as the perfect example of humility, the One who left heaven to dwell among us.
As we contemplate the “Mystery of Christmas” this year, let’s remember that there is no mystery regarding our need to exercise humility in our lives. Jesus came to serve, and He calls us to do the same. Paul said that we are to have the “same mind” as Jesus had, and that was a mind bent on humility and a heart that is willing to serve others. I suspect that this Christmas would be a perfect time for all of us to put humility into practice.
Blessings to all of you this Christmas time. You are a gift to Peggy and me!
Comments(5)
Rick Belda says
December 24, 2018 at 8:36 amGood morning Pastor Jim. I wanted to wish you, Peggy, and your family a Merry Christmas. Thank you for sharing your blog with me all these years. It’s nice to stay up on how you and Peggy are doing.
Linda Moldrem says
December 24, 2018 at 1:34 amMerry Christmas to you and Peggy, Jim. You both have been and are a huge blessing to me. I thank God for his greatest gift, Jesus our King and Redeemer. Linda Moldrem
Vivian Brumfield says
December 23, 2018 at 9:48 pmThank you for your servant’s heart and for your blogs. I have read almost all of them. I especially liked the essays written by your students–there was a lot of wisdom in them. Give my love to Peggy. Blessings to you and yours in this Holiday Season.
len says
December 22, 2018 at 5:59 pmGreetings to the both of you from Ruth and Len, it is such wonderful news always when hear that you have a returned safely and well! Ruth and I wish you two A blessed and happy Christmas, especially with family! And may God bless the coming year with good health, strength, and wisdom as the two of you seek and serve the Lord!
Sent with our loving care,
Ruth and Len Dighton
Gary Krejsa says
December 22, 2018 at 3:18 pmJim, this is such a fascinating read, and quite thought provoking. It reminds me of my childhood in Rockford, Illinois, when my mother, who was Swedish Lutheran, pushed me out the door to walk a few blocks to Sunday School. It was an innocent and enjoyable time in my religious experience. The pictures of Christ with all the children at his feet, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
I don’t know what possessed me, but on one Sunday I was curious about what was going on in the adult portion of the church. I took it upon myself to attend the adult service and snuck into a pew at the back of the church. I was enjoying the singing and the fellowship, until the pastor began his sermon. “You are all sinful by nature! Repent and pray for forgiveness.” Well, I have to tell you that scared the crap out of me. As a young child struggling to do the right thing and making Jesus and my parents proud, my soul screamed, “I am not sinful!!” and I got out of there as fast as my legs could carry me. I didn’t have someone to guide me and interpret the sermon for me. The whole experience left me wondering if going to church was something I really wanted to do.
I have to take exception to your interpretation above, “Whereas we are all born with what the Bible calls a ‘sinful nature,’ Jesus did not have such a nature, even though it was fully human.” I’m not sure if you ever read Nikos’ Kazantzakis’ “The Last Temptation of Christ”, but I was drawn to Kazantzakis’ interpretation of Christ with his human desires & temptations. Christ is attracted to Mary Magdalen and envisions himself married to her with children of his own, and then at the last minute, “wham”, he’s back on the cross with that vision only being his “Last Temptation”. After reading Kazantzakis’ novel, I rediscovered Christ in a way that made much more sense to me. He wasn’t perfect. He was like me, tempted, but in his final days, true to his purpose of dying for mankind’s sins.
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