According to Leviticus 16 before the high priest could officiate on the Day of Atonement he had to change into the simple white linen garment of a common priest. The symbolism was prophetic regarding the nature of Jesus’ coming to earth. Jesus came, not as a king or ruler but, as a common man. In Philippians 2 Paul wrote, “Who, being in the very nature of 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!”
According to the book of Hebrews Jesus became our high priest after His ascension. He is a unique priest. He was our sacrifice. Now He is our priest. There is no one and never has been any being in the universe that by personal experience so understands us. Notice how Paul says, “He made Himself nothing.” Someday when we have the opportunity to see a replay of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem (You can be sure every detail is carefully preserved in Heaven’s libraries.) we will be shocked at the gruesome details of that wretched stable. We are told Lucifer was taken aback and thought a mistake had been surely made. How could the glorious King of the Universe so degrade Himself?
The next time we think someone isn’t giving us the respect we think we should have, let us remember Philippians 2 where Paul admonishes us to “let this mind be in you.” He was speaking of Jesus’ mind. Jesus “was treated as we deserve that we might be treated as He deserves.”
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 3, 2915
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