An Amazing Contrast

Bill Bright

“Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to His rights as God. He made Himself nothing; He took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form He obediently humbled Himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8).

Can you imagine Queen Elizabeth II giving up her crown to live as a pauper? Putting aside her jewels and dressing in rags? That is unthinkable.

When God's Son, Jesus Christ, was voluntarily born in a humble manger in Bethlehem, the only people who worshiped Him were lowly shepherds. The stable must have been drafty and not very private.

What kind of place was this for the Sovereign of the universe? Where were His crown and His scepter?

Jesus did not live like a king either. He became tired and hungry, was ridiculed, beaten, spit upon, humiliated.

The soldiers ripped off His clothes, and He was taken to court before a cruel ruler named Herod.

The crowd shouted that they wanted Him killed.

All His friends ran away, afraid for their own lives.

Then He was cruelly nailed to a cross in front of a jeering crowd. He could have shaken the world in defiance, but all He said was, "Forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).

Jesus did this because God loves us so much.

His love motivated Him to communicate His love and salvation to us.

To do this effectively, He had to become one of us – to walk, talk, eat, and look like us.

Just the thought of our sovereign God putting aside His magnificent glory brings me to tears.

How can we ever reach the depths of that love? How could we ever fear putting our lives into His hands?

Your View of God Really Matters …

Are you hesitant to completely sell out to God because you are afraid of what you may have to give up? Look at what He gave up for you. Aren't you glad He didn't "hesitate?" Don't you think you can trust a God who loves you that much?


Because God is love,
He is unconditionally committed to my well-being.
I will joyfully submit to His will. 


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Bright Media Foundation is an affiliate of Cru.

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