Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:6-8

 

We human beings are climbers. We’re compelled to climb mountains and trees. We climb over one another to scale social structures and corporate ladders.

 

The example of a perfect life that God gives us though, isn’t one of climbing up. While Jesus, God’s Son, was on earth, His life was one very big Downward Plunge.

To begin, the Bible tells us that Jesus was God. It says, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to” (Philippians 2:6). Amazingly, Scripture also explains that Jesus “gave up His divine privileges” of being the One, all-powerful God (Philippians 2:7). That’s what Jesus did when He was born as a helpless, human baby.

Baby Jesus did grow up, of course. But as he grew physically and intellectually, on down His plunge continued. The Bible describes Jesus as taking “the humble position of a slave” (Philippians 2:7) Jesus subjected Himself to God’s will that He die for the sins of mankind. He was enslaved by all of our sins, and in effect, by us, when he was nailed to a cross and left to die.

Death by crucifixion was how criminals were killed in Roman times. In fact, Scripture says, Jesus “died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). In His death, Jesus’s Downward Plunge was finished.

Then, it happened. The Bible says, “But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him” (Acts 2:24).

From God, to powerless baby, humble slave, a criminal’s death and raised to life in victory. We can be forgiven and have personal relationship with God because Jesus made the way.