The Astounding Humility of the Incarnation

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The Astounding Humility of the Incarnation From the Advent Series: “Worship the King” Matthew 1:18-25 and Philippians 2:5-11 December 17, 2017 BIG IDEA Jesus, the King, came as a baby in great humility. He modeled this humility throughout His life on earth and taught us what it means to be human ourselves. Now He reigns as King over all things.

REVIEW These are some of the main ideas we discussed last week:   

Adam sinned and his rebellion infected the entire human race, which is punishable by death (spiritual and physical). Jesus came as a baby in Bethlehem because he would defeat this enemy and reconcile us to God. Put simply: Adam = Death; Jesus = Life.

THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE Context: In Matthew 1:18-25, we see how Jesus came to earth as a baby and we are told this after being given a picture of where in Israel’s history Christ came. God brought this about by the power of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling centuries-old prophesies about the coming King. In Philippians 2:5-11, the apostle Paul is addressing the Philippians about the importance of having the mind of Christ, a perspective of great humility. We see that this humble servant came to us as a man and He will one day be exalted over all things.

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Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Philippians 2:5-11 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

MAIN IDEAS   

Jesus came in complete humility through such amazing circumstances that it could only have been God. Christ lived His life in a beautiful posture as a servant leader and taught us how to be human. Jesus is exalted high above all things as King of kings and Lord of lords.

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DISCUSSION & APPLICATION 1. The humility of Jesus’ coming is beautiful Jesus came in a very humble way to a young couple that were just getting started in life. The picture we are given of Mary and Joseph is one filled with confusion, excitement, joy, and fear all rolled together. They were nervous, but willing to receive the Son of God, and Jesus arrived just as the scriptures had prophesied He would. Joseph and Mary responded in faith and did as the Lord commanded them.

a. How do you think you would have reacted to being asked to care for the Savior of the world?

b. Why do you believe it is important for God to reveal Himself to us in human form?

2. The humility of Jesus life is exceptional Phil. 2:5-8 – Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. The phrase “made Himself nothing” means to empty or pour out. This doesn’t mean that Jesus is becoming “less God or divine,” but that He is giving of Himself completely. Jesus came in humility as a baby and demonstrates for His followers an exceptional posture of humility and serving.

a. Considering Jesus as our example, where are you personally finding it challenging to live with humility?

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b. What are ways you can lean into the Holy Spirit for strength to serve others more?

3. The humility of Jesus explodes with exaltation Phil. 2:9-11 – Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The confounding result of Jesus’ life of true servanthood and humility is that the Father highly exalted Him as the King and Lord over all things. This allows us to better understand what Jesus was revealing to us when He said that the “first will be last and the last will be first.” Christ clearly proved for us what true greatness is…giving our lives away to honor the Father, bless others, and point people to the beauty of Jesus’ love!

a. What area of your life are you finding it the hardest to believe that Jesus loves you and that God is in control?

b. How can you point more of your time, energy, and resources into glorifying God and living like Christ?

c. Who comes to mind that you could show God’s love to by serving them in a meaningful way before the year is over? What do you need to do to make that happen?

d. Take a few minutes and consider and share about ways that God has been good to you over the last couple of weeks.

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PRAY Dear Jesus, you are the ultimate servant and a true friend of sinners. You didn’t demand attention, but instead poured out your life so that I could live united to you. I ask that you would expand my capacity for seeing and experiencing you more deeply this season. You are the King and I thank you for your love. Amen.

DIG DEEPER For further study this week:   

Isaiah 7:14 2 Corinthians 8:9 Flesh: Bringing the Incarnation Down To Earth - by Hugh Halter

NEXT WEEK’S BIG IDEA “The Upside Down Nature of Christ’s New Kingdom” – from the Advent series: Worship the King

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