Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:5-8
While people the world over have Jesus on their minds, it being the Christmas season, it seems fitting to take a little time to consider the implications of His coming and how we should live every day in light of those implications. We will ponder three key elements in this discussion: 1) what He brought to fallen humanity when He came, 2) what we should learn about His nature from the incarnation, and 3) how these two critical realities should shape our lives.
The New Testament gives several purpose statements explaining what Jesus came to deliver to fallen humanity, but our focus will be on that recorded in Luke’s gospel as stated to the shepherds in the field. Upon seeing the angel of the Lord enshrouded by the glory of the Lord, the shepherds were frightful (a common response to angelic encounters in Scripture). Immediately the angel assuaged their fears telling them he brought “…good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” (Luke 2:10). He continued in 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men.”
The simple truth set forth in these verses encapsulates Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth in the first place. Humanity has lived in a state of tension since the fall in the garden. Jesus came to earth to extend peace to fallen humanity. As Paul stated it in Romans 5:1-2, Christ brought us justification by faith, peace with God, access to grace, and rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.
The gifts are awesome in and of themselves, but that awesomeness grows exponentially when we consider the price He paid and what it says about His nature. Philippians 2:5-8 helps us grasp that Jesus did not simply come to earth and bring peace to fallen humanity. Jesus paid a tremendous price for our peace with God, access to grace, hope in His glory, etc. He willfully resigned His divine prerogatives, made Himself of no reputation (lit. emptied Himself; cf. ESV), took on the form of a bondservant, came in the likeness of humanity, and humbly gave His life on the cross. He gave His everything for you and me.
Having seen what Jesus brought when He came and the tremendous price He paid for this amazing gift, it is imperative that we let this understanding shape our lives. Grasping the phenomenal reality above ought to do at least two crucial things in our lives. First, it should fill our hearts with love and appreciation for the Lord (1 John 4:19). Secondly, and flowing out of the first, this understanding should prompt us to embrace the same mindset that led Him to give us the gift. This embrace is seen in our attitude and actions in this earthly life. Jesus was clear that loving Him means obeying Him (John 14:15, 23; 15:14; cf. 1 John 5:1-3). This is the essence of the mind of Christ as He lived His entire life on earth in humble submission to the will of God (John 5:30; 6:38; Hebrews 10:7). So, as we consider what Jesus brought to earth and what it cost Him to bring it, the only proper response is to give our everything to live as He lived in perpetual service to God. It is in this pursuit that we may enjoy the peace Jesus brought to earth.