May 21 2026

Thursday May 21

“He Became One of Us”

Philippians 2:5-7

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we are looking at Philippians 2:5-11, where we are talking about the mind of Christ: This passage begins with: “Let this mind be in you.” Today we come to one of the greatest miracles in human history—when God became a man. We find this in verse 7: “But He made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men.” This is the miracle of the incarnation. The eternal God stepped into humanity without ceasing to be God.

Remember John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Think about that statement: The infinite became an infant. The Creator entered creation. The One who made the stars was born beneath them. My friend, Jesus was not partly God and partly man. He was fully God and fully man at the very same time.

This is essential to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If Jesus were only man, He could not save us. If He were only God, He could not represent us. Because He is both God and man, He became the perfect mediator between God and humanity. Remember 1 Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.”

Jesus entered humanity. He experienced hunger, weariness, rejection, sorrow, and physical pain. He knew what it was to be tired after a long journey. He knew what it was to weep at a grave. He knew what it was to be misunderstood and betrayed. Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” This should give us great comfort. Jesus understands human suffering firsthand. When you hurt, He understands. When you are weary, He understands. When you are rejected, He understands.

Yet Jesus never sinned. He was tempted externally, but unlike us, He had no sinful nature within Him. He is the perfect Savior. Paul said He came “in the likeness of men.” That does not mean Jesus only appeared human. It means He truly became man while remaining distinct from sinful humanity. He looked like any other Jewish man of His day. Isaiah 53:2 says, “He has no form nor comeliness. And when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.”

People saw a carpenter from Nazareth. But hidden within that humble frame was the glory of God. Many missed Him because they were looking for outward splendor. People still miss Him today. Some want a political savior. Some want a miracle worker. Some want religion without repentance. But Jesus first came as a suffering servant.

How does this apply to us? How can we make this real to us? If Jesus was willing to enter our world, we should be willing to enter the struggles of others. True ministry steps into other people’s pain. Jesus did not remain distant from our broken humanity. He moved toward sinners, and we are called to do the same. Galatians 6:2 reminds us, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

We sometimes prefer a comfortable Christianity that avoids messy people and difficult situations. But Jesus stepped directly into our mess to rescue us. So who around you today needs compassion? Who needs encouragement? Who needs someone willing to listen? The mind of Christ moves toward people, not away from them.

Yes, my friend, because Jesus became one of us, we can approach Him with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace in our time of need.” Oh, what a Savior!

Let’s pray together. Father, thank You for sending Jesus into our world. Thank You that He understands our weaknesses and our sorrows. Help us to show His compassion to others today. Make us willing to enter the burdens and hurts of those around us with the love of Jesus Christ. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God bless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!