May 21, 2026

Jesus’ Incarnation and Our Transformation

TODAY'S READING – Philippians 2

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE – Philippians 2:5-8 NLT Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

God becoming human is the definition of “the Incarnation.” Jesus left heaven because of His great love for all mankind, including you and me. He wanted to become human—God didn’t force him. Becoming human is an unfathomable sacrifice on His part, and equally a demonstration of His unstoppable love for people.

When we learn and embrace a life of sacrificial love, we too go through a transformation. We become more like God. Our “incarnation” is in becoming the body of Christ. The Bible says acts of self-sacrifice, compassion, submission, service, and preference make us more like Jesus.

Jesus became man in order to free humans to become more like God. We are created in His image but live in such a broken environment that reflecting His goodness is difficult. Humans suffer under the curse of sin which, until broken by God’s grace, stunts mankind’s potential and growth.

Receiving Jesus as one’s Savior is the key to unlocking the transformative power of “incarnational” living. Because He became man, we can be re-made to become like Him.

This is the great exchange. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV)

Soon you’ll no longer recognize yourself. The selfish and “me-first” attitudes will be gone, and you will have a great love and compassion for people. That is a beautiful transformation.