Christmas through Their Eyes
“Christmas through JESUS’ Eyes”
Philippians 2:6-11
Introduction: When you think of the various Christian symbols for Christmas what usually comes to your mind? Perhaps it is a manger, shepherd, star, Wise Men, angels, etc. But probably the one you may not think much of is a scepter, a towel, and a cross. Indeed there is a shadow of a cross on the manger. Jesus came for a purpose and that was to pay the price for our sin.
As we look at Christmas from Jesus’ perspective this morning we will see that purpose was firm in His mind as he stepped across the threshold of heaven into earth. As we examine Christmas from His point of view I pray that we will be changed by our encounter with the Christ of Christmas today.
Look now as we see Jesus before, during, and after Christmas as we see “Christmas through JESUS’ eyes.”
Christmas reminds us that Jesus is…
1. Sovereign. (v. 6)
“in the form of God” – The word here is morphe which means “external appearance” or “what you see with your eyes.”
When you look at something you can tell what it is by its form – its physical characteristics.
Show pictures. What are these?
That is their form. When you looked at Jesus you would have said He is God.
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15 (NIV)
“robbery” – Take something by force that which does not belong to you.
But Jesus did not take something that did not belong to Him. He always was, is and shall be God! Jesus is God so it ALL belongs to Him!
He is opposite from Adam. Adam wanted something that did not belong to him and greedily grabbed for it in hopes of being equal with God as did Satan before him.
How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit. Isaiah 14:12-15 (NIV)
“Robbery” can also mean to hold greedily to something as well. Jesus did not do this either. Instead He willingly gave it all up to come to earth on our behalf.
Man sinned by trying to become God. Man is saved because God became Man.
2. Servant. (v. 7)
“Made Himself of no reputation” – Literally He emptied Himself. He laid it aside. He took off His glory and put on His human suit. It was still His! He just left hanging in the closet of heaven while He was here.
Demonstrate with coat.
What did He give up? It was NOT His deity. He did not cease to be God while He was here. NO! He was God and became man too.
John MacArthur says he gave up His glory, honor, riches, favorable relationship with God, and His independent authority.
John 17:5 (NIV) reminds us of this from Jesus’ point of view in His high priestly prayer in the garden.
And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. John 17:5 (NIV)
He did not lose His deity. He simply chose not to use it. He did this for us!
He was in the form of God and now He chooses to be in the form of a servant.
He demoted Himself. C.S. Lewis suggested that it would be as if we chose to be a slug or crab.
But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. Psalm 22:6 (NIV)
Here prophetically, Jesus is equated with a worm. Why did He do this?
3. Sacrifice. (vv. 8-11)
“in appearance as a man” – Looked just like any other man. He did not walk around with a glowing halo on His head. He came as a man so that He could die. God cannot die or be killed, but a man can and did!
He demonstrated the greatest characteristic that servant can have – obedience.
“Even death on a cross”. His humiliation is now complete. He emptied himself, became human - a servant, and finally subjected Himself to death on a cross (the most humiliating way to die).
But this was what was necessary to bring us salvation.
To create God had only to speak; to redeem He had to suffer.
--Dwight L. Moody, (1837 - 1899), American evangelist
How awful and abhorrent must our sin be to God if this was required to purchase our salvation!
This is why Paul would later write:
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 (NKJV)
vv. 9-11 – Look at the result of that suffering as the one and only sacrifice.
His sacrifice brings Him praise. Note the word “wherefore.” Because of His obedient suffering and sacrifice He is due the praise and worship of all creatures of all time.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
He is exalted, His name is above all other names, and at that name Jesus (“Jehovah is salvation”) EVERY knee will bow!
Heaven’s knees will bow – angels and all believers that died.
Earth’s knees will bow – From the greatest skeptic to the most fervent follower.
Under the earth’s knees will bow – The dead lost people, demons and Satan himself.
And then EVERY tongue will name Him as Lord. You can’t be saved apart from calling Him Lord, but if you wait until then it will be too late!
If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NKJV)
Conclusion: Brian Bill reminds us what Jesus coming at Christmas means to us:
Christmas means that…
He descended that we might ascend (John 14:3)
He was born that we might be born again (John 3:3)
He became a servant that we might become sons (Galatians 4:6-7)
He was forsaken that we might not be forsaken (Matthew 28:20)
He died that we might live (John 5:24)
He came down that we might be caught up (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) --Brian Bill, Pastor, Pontiac Bible Church, Pontiac, IL
To receive this gift of Jesus you do what He did. You recognize His deity, you humble yourself, and you accept His sacrifice for your sins as a free gift by sacrificing yourself and give your life in exchange for His!
That is “Christmas through JESUS’ eyes!”
