What Does Philippians 2 Reveal About Christmas?

In a recent lesson on the Real Meaning of Christmas, John MacArthur turns to Philippians 2:6‑11 to uncover the heart of the incarnation. He frames the passage as a sequence of five deliberate steps that Jesus took to bring the kingdom to earth.

Leaving Royalty Behind

MacArthur begins with the idea that Jesus “abandoned a sovereign position.” He uses the image of a king shedding royal robes to illustrate how the divine chose to step out of power and into the world. The question he poses is how a sovereign could willingly give up authority to live among the lowly.

Becoming a Genuine Man

Next, the teacher focuses on the phrase “made in the likeness of men.” He explains that Jesus became “the same as men” in every essential way—yet without sin. The discussion invites listeners to consider the paradox of a sinless being who experienced hunger, thirst, joy, grief, and death, and what that says about the incarnation’s purpose.

Humility, Suffering, and Exaltation

MacArthur then tackles the final steps: Jesus “humbled himself” and “was made dead.” He highlights the tension between humility and exaltation, noting that the same figure who humbled Himself to the cross would later be “highly exalted” by God. The lesson ends with the idea that the incarnation is not a one‑off event but a model of how God’s humility opens the way for divine honor.

For a fuller exploration of these themes and their implications for the season, listen to the complete audio on Grace to You.