The glory of the cross

"Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not regard as an object to be delighted [or : booty to jealously guard] from being equal to God, but wasted himself taking the form of a slave ... he humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, and to the death of the cross." Philippians 2. 6, 8

This passage clearly affirms the divine nature of Jesus. He also shows us the path he travels in assuming the human condition : he who, "in the form of God" or having the condition of God, "has been wiped out (literally emptied, stripped) himself", that is to say, he has temporarily given up what belongs to him, divine glory and power; he will be born and live like a man. From birth, he is threatened by Herod, his parents flee their country to protect him ; when tempted by the devil in the desert, he does not appeal to his divine power; at the cross, he refuses to use his power to escape such a torture. By accepting death, he accepts to suffer the cause : the fall and its consequences ; yet he was perfect as a man.

At the cross, divine power remains hidden for divine love to be revealed. The cross is not a punishment for serious misconduct, but a punishment freely accepted by Jesus, who takes responsibility and guilt for our faults. The LORD, the great Judge who "will judge the world with righteousness" (Ps 9, 8), turns the judgment of man towards his Son, to open a door of hope in this world.

It is the supreme act that breaks the love of God : "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. "(John 3:16). In offering his Son for the salvation of men, God takes the risk of loving without being loved. Through the love manifested on the cross, Jesus takes upon himself all the violence of evil and triumphs : "having stripped the powers and authorities, [he] gave them a show, triumphing over them in the cross" (Col. 2. 15). "A triumph and a cross : what a rapprochement ! It can only be found in Christianity ; Jesus triumphs and the chariot of triumph of Jesus Christ is a gallows, his throne is the cross !" (A. Vinet).

Source (Pleasing the Lord)