But made himself of no reputation

2025-01-13

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:6-8)

I hate it when I am treated like I am five years old. There are many times where I feel I am disrespected and feel humiliated, whether it be in the workplace or elsewhere. But why do we hate it when we are treated this way? We think we are worthy of better. But Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, left His exalted state. What specifically did He embrace instead?

No reputation. Jesus did not seek to be a king on earth. He was born in a barn and had no certain dwelling place.

Servant. Jesus washed the dirty feet of the disciples, and He did not consider it beneath Him. He served us all by bearing the wrath of His Father so we would not have to get the wrath we deserve.

Humbled himself to death. Not only did Jesus die a painful death, He died a humiliating death. He was likely mostly naked when He was crucified, since we saw the soldiers dividing His clothing amongst themselves.

So when we are mistreated, be it real or imagined, recall the place of the Savior. Let them do it. “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). They treat us better than we deserve, and the LORD, who knew no sin, was placed below us all.