He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

— Philippians 2:8

The incarnation of the Son of God is one of the greatest mysteries in history. There is one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are of the same substance, meaning that the Son is coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

But to accomplish our redemption, God the Son emptied himself of his glory and became human. In the fullness of time he was born of a woman, under the law, to be our surety and substitute (see Galatians 4:4-5). Being God, he became human; being rich, he became poor; being Lord, he became a servant.

The Son of God entered time and put on human skin. “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Even in the face of the most severe afflictions, he did not waiver from his purpose to save us. Though he was persecuted, spat upon, and crushed by the fury of sinners, he loved them to the end. Though he laid down his life in obedience and gave himself up to death, he triumphed over death in his glorious resurrection.

Through his extreme humiliation, Jesus was exalted to receive the name above all names, opening the way for us to eternal life with God.

Father, to save us, your Son humbled himself and submitted to death on a cross. He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, to lay down his life for us, even though we were your enemies. In him we exalt you! Amen.