by Robert Fudge

Philippians 2:6-8
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!

Hebrews 2:17-18
For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

For Jesus to be qualified as our substitute sacrifice, he had to become one of us. Since it is mankind that sinned, it must be one of mankind who lived a perfect life and then offered that life as a sacrifice for the sin of all mankind. Only Jesus fits this requirement. As we celebrate Christmas we are reminded of the birth of Jesus to Mary, a peasant woman in Judea. It is in this way that the Son of God became (as he most often referred to himself) the son of man. This means that Jesus actually was human and faced all the same problems, troubles and trials we face. When he hit is finger with a hammer it hurt just like when we do it today. When he saw that pretty, sexy girl, he had to battle the same thoughts we battle today. When he could get some special treatment by being untruthful, he had that same temptation we have today. In Hebrews 4:15 we are told that he was tempted in every way that we are today and yet without sin. In addition to temptations, he faced problems, hurt, anxiety, heartache, death of loved ones and ultimately his own untimely death.

So we see that Jesus gave up his equality with God and all the glories of heaven to become qualified to become our substitute sacrifice. Not only does this qualify him to be our sacrifice but also to now serve as our High Priest. This means that he can go to the Father on our behalf with complete understanding of whatever we face – he has been there. Since he is completely qualified to be our savior we can know that God, in his infinite wisdom has provided our salvation. Again we see that our assurance is based on what God has done through Jesus for us and not what we have accomplished in or of ourselves. Thanks be to God for his wisdom and his love for us!

I thank you God for sending your Son to live as man on this earth. Thank you for providing that which I could not possibly provide and that I can know that I have salvation, eternal life with you. Please fill my heart with your Spirit that I may better know your assurance and your love. Please fill my heart with your love that I may better love those around me. It is in the name of your Son, my High Priest that I come to you with this prayer.