Made in the Likeness of Men

View daily reading plan: Philippians 2

He was a real man. The Word became flesh, real flesh and blood (John 1:14), but in using the word ‘likeness’, the apostle is telling us that His was a unique humanity.  We must remember that “this likeness to men did not express His whole self” (Marvin Vincent). When looking upon the Saviour, John had to acknowledge that “we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Here was the very Son of God!

The use of the word ‘likeness’ has indicated similarity but not sameness. Men are innately sinful. Since Adam’s fall, the will of man has taken him away from God, brought opposition and enmity. How important, then, for the apostle to establish the sinless perfection of Christ! Likeness, but not sameness!

Thursday, 7 March, 2024