Note: (CL) = Controling Lesson (OT) = Old Testament (OTA) = Old Testament Alternative (NT) = New Testament (NTA) = New Testament Alternative (G) = Gospel (GA) = Gospel Alternative (Ps) = Psalm; one of these will follow all lessons for the week.

Note: Please be sure to look at previous posts because some of the week may have already been posted.


Monday, March 18, 2013

Palm Sunday (NTA)

Philippians 2:5-11

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 


I have heard verse 6 repeated and been slightly troubled: "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped." First, what does St Paul mean by "form of God"? Second, what is meant by "equality with God"? Lastly, what does it mean "to be grasped"?

Jesus is the form of God. This does not mean he looks like God or acts like God (ONLY). It means he is God. Jesus is the same substance with the Father and thus, the Holy Spirit. Jesus is full God not simply representing or similar to God. As St Paul also follows Jesus becomes the form of a man. Jesus takes on flesh and becomes not like you and me but of the same nature as you and me.

"Equality with God" means equal to God. How can a man be God? For simple man this is impossible, we do not each have a divine spark within us. We do not have the power or capability to be equal to God. There is no one equal to God. Even as God commands his people "Be Holy as God is Holy" none of us can do this.

Thus, no one can grasp hold of equality with God. None of us can reach this level of perfection. At best we will be able to understand that we can not do this. We are fallen creatures. Thus, Jesus Christ the Holy One of Israel has taken on flesh and become man. He took on the form of a servant to offer you the perfection or holiness of God. NOw through Christ Jesus "equality with God" can "be grasped." (This does not mean you gain a spark or will become a God but you will be joined in the body of Christ our Lord.)
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