Uniting Heaven and Earth
Christ in Philippians and Colossians
Lesson 4 - Friday Further Thought
“In the Likeness of Men” — The Depth of Christ’s Humiliation
Philippians 2:7 tells us that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men.” This short phrase—“in the likeness of men”—carries profound theological and devotional meaning. It does not suggest that Christ merely appeared human, nor does it imply that His humanity was somehow artificial. Rather, it affirms that the eternal Son of God fully entered the human condition while remaining sinless and fully divine.
Paul’s language guards two truths at once. Jesus truly became human, sharing our nature, limitations, and weaknesses, yet He did so without ceasing to be God. He was not pretending to be human; He embraced humanity in its fullness—hunger, fatigue, sorrow, temptation, pain—while remaining morally perfect.
Romans 8:3 sheds further light on this mystery: “God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.” Here Paul adds an important qualifier. Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh, not in sinful flesh itself. He assumed our fallen human nature with all its vulnerabilities, yet without participating in sin. He entered the battlefield of human existence under the same conditions we face, but He never surrendered to sin’s power.
Taken together, Philippians 2:7 and Romans 8:3 teach that Christ’s incarnation was both real and redemptive. He did not save humanity from a distance. He stepped into our broken world, clothed Himself with our frailty, and confronted sin on its own ground. Where Adam failed in perfect surroundings, Jesus triumphed in a fallen world.
Other Scriptures reinforce this truth. Hebrews 2:14 declares, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same.” Hebrews 4:15 assures us that Jesus was “tempted as we are, yet without sin.” John 1:14 boldly proclaims, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” And 2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds us that though He “knew no sin,” He was made to be sin for us, so that we might become righteous in Him.
This has enormous meaning for us. First, it means we have a Savior who truly understands us. Jesus knows weakness from the inside. He understands temptation not as an observer, but as one who endured it faithfully. Our struggles do not repel Him; they draw His compassion.
Second, Christ’s incarnation reveals the character of God. God is not distant, harsh, or detached. He is willing to humble Himself, to suffer, and to serve. The cross is not an accident—it is the natural outcome of a God who loves enough to come near.
Finally, this truth shapes how we live. Philippians 2 does not present Christ’s humility merely as doctrine but as a model. If Jesus was willing to empty Himself, to serve, and to obey even unto death, then His followers are called to the same spirit. His incarnation invites us to humility, self-sacrifice, and obedient trust in God.
Because Jesus came in the likeness of men, we are not left alone in our weakness. Because He conquered sin in human flesh, we have hope of victory. And because He humbled Himself, God now invites us to share in His life, His righteousness, and His future glory.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the wonder of the incarnation—that Your Son did not remain distant, but came near. Thank You that Jesus took on our humanity, bore our weakness, and faced our temptations, yet remained without sin. Help us to trust Him more deeply, knowing He understands our struggles. Teach us to walk in humility, obedience, and love, following the example of Christ. May His life in us reflect His self-giving grace to the world around us. We praise You for a Savior who came in the likeness of men so that we might be restored to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More on Lesson 4 Unity through Humility
This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians
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