Kenosis

Who [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! || Philippians 2:6–8

Kenosis is a Greek word meaning “emptiness” or “to empty.” It is the word that theologians use to describe verse 7 when Jesus “makes himself nothing” or “empties himself” by taking on the nature of a slave/servant. Jesus maintains His deity, but somehow empties Himself? Because of this, people continue to ask questions like “what did Jesus know,” “what did he learn,” and “could Jesus walk on water as a boy?” These questions might be fun to debate, but they miss the point of the kenosis. 

The kenosis involves an emptying and an application. First, God attempts to show us that Jesus humbled Himself by giving up His power, knowledge, and glory. Jesus could have come as a man, a king, or anything that He wanted to. But instead, Jesus came as a baby slave, who had no majesty that beheld Him. He emptied Himself of any sort of honor, power, or wealth. He emptied Himself for our sake. And He humbled Himself to death…even death on a cross. 

Jesus not only emptied Himself, but He took on human flesh. Jesus submitted His entire will to the Father as a slave and took on flesh to represent all of mankind. He gave up prestige and took on a stable; He gave up power and became a slave; He gave up the wealth of eternity and took on the will of a carpenter. Jesus gave up the power and perfection of God and took on the limitations and temptations of humanity.

As St. Augustine says more profoundly: 

The Maker of man became man that He, Ruler of the stars, might be nourished at the breast; that He, the Bread, might be hungry; that He, the Fountain, might thirst; that He, the Light, might sleep; that He, the Way, might be wearied by the journey; that He, the Truth, might be accused by false witnesses; that He, the Judge of the living and the dead, might be brought to trial by a mortal judge; that He, Justice, might be condemned by the unjust; that He, Discipline, might be scourged with whips; that He, the Foundation, might be suspended upon a cross; that Courage might be weakened; that Security might be wounded; that Life might die.

The humility that Christ walked in on earth exemplifies the love that God has for us. He did not leave us in our inability and sin, “but became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Cor 5:21). The fullness of God within the emptiness of man. Truly God and truly man. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” The baby in a manger is not just a cute portrayal on a mantelpiece, it is a cosmic portrayal of the depth of love that God has displayed for us. 

Seeing this love, we have an impossible model for us. But one we strive to be conformed to each day. So let us remember the gospel every day and use it to fuel our love for others. A love that would stoop low in humility to honor those around us. That would put others first over our desires. And a love that would even become a slave to all so that some may become saved (1 Cor 9:19). 

Humbly,
Pastor Caleb