MEMORY VERSE: ‘But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.’ Philippians 2:7.
LESSON AIM: To show that, as part of His preparation to be our High Priest, Jesus, the Son of God, came among us as the Son of man experiencing the worst of human life.
‘As their example in the Christian life, Paul pointed the Philippians to Christ, who, “being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in a fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2: 6-8.’ Acts of the Apostles, page 481.
1. Where did Jesus take His first breath as a human being? Luke 2:4-6.
NOTE: ‘The King of glory stooped low to take humanity. Rude and forbidding were His earthly surroundings. His glory was veiled, that the majesty of His outward form might not become an object of attraction. He shunned all outward display. Riches, worldly honour, and human greatness can never save a soul from death; Jesus purposed that no attraction of an earthly nature should call men to His side. Only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those who would follow Him. The character of the Messiah had long been foretold in prophecy, and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the word of God.’ A Call to Stand Apart, page 5.
2. The Bible tells us Jesus humbled Himself, making Himself of no reputation. What does the Bible recall three times that Mary and Joseph had to use as a bed for Him when He was born? Luke 2:7, 12, 16.
NOTE: ‘While Lucifer counted it a thing to be grasped to be equal with God, Christ, the Exalted One, “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:7, 8. Now the cross was just before Him; and His own disciples were so filled with self-seeking, the very principle of Satan’s kingdom, that they could not enter into sympathy with their Lord, or even understand Him as He spoke of His humiliation for them.’ Desire of Ages, page 436,