WHAT DOES IT COST?

The transition of Jesus from God the Son to the Son of Man was the greatest act of love and sacrifice the world has ever known. Today, we will reflect on what it cost Him, so that we may better understand the depth of His love for us.

From Omnipotence to Limitation

Before the incarnation, Jesus existed in the fullness of divine power, unhindered by time, space, or human frailty. Yet, in taking on flesh, He willingly accepted the limitations of humanity.

• He knew hunger and thirst (John 4:6-7).
• He experienced exhaustion and pain (Matthew 8:24, John 19:1-3).
• He subjected Himself to the constraints of time and space, no longer omnipresent but bound to a human body (Philippians 2:7).
• He grew and learned as any human does (Luke 2:52).

Imagine a composer becoming a single note in his own symphony or an author stepping into the pages of their own book. Jesus, the Creator of all, became part of His creation to redeem it.

From Glory to Humility

Philippians 2:6-8 describes this unfathomable transition:

“Who, being in very nature 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!”

Jesus set aside His divine glory and took on the role of a servant. He who was worshiped by angels now washed the feet of men (John 13:5). The King of kings allowed Himself to be mocked, beaten, and crucified by the very people He came to save. This was the cost of love — choosing humility over majesty, rejection over recognition, and suffering over comfort.

From Perfect Communion to Separation

The most excruciating cost of all was the separation Jesus endured from the Father. From eternity past, Jesus had known perfect unity within the Trinity. Yet on the cross, bearing the weight of our sin, He cried out:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)

For our sake, He experienced what we were meant to suffer — separation from God. The agony He bore was not just physical but spiritual, as He took upon Himself the punishment for our sins. The One who had only ever known love now bore the weight of all sin, all rejection, all darkness — so that we would never have to be separated from God.

The Costly Gift of Love

At first glance, it seems that Jesus only lost by becoming human. But what He gained through this act of love is astounding:

1. Experiential Knowledge of Humanity

Though God knows all things, Jesus now understands human struggle from experience. Hebrews 4:15 assures us: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin.” He knows what it is to be weary, to be tempted, to grieve. When you feel alone, broken, or unloved — Jesus understands. He has walked that path before you.

2. A New Relationship with Humanity

Through His incarnation, Jesus became our “kinsman-redeemer” (Hebrews 2:11). He calls us His brothers and sisters. He is not just our Lord — He is our family. Because He became like us, we can be joined to Him forever.

3. The Accomplishment of Redemption

The incarnation was not just an act of identification but an act of salvation. As Athanasius said, “He became what we are so that we might become what He is.” Jesus had to be fully human to represent us and fully God to redeem us. Through His death and resurrection, He bridged the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God, offering us eternal life.

The Cost of His Love

What did it cost Jesus to become like us? Everything. But He did it because of His great love. The infinite stepped into the finite, the eternal entered time, the Creator became the created — all so that we might be restored to Him.

If you have ever felt unloved, forgotten, or unworthy, remember this: Jesus willingly gave up heaven for you. He endured hunger, pain, rejection, and death for you. His love was not cheap — it was costly, paid with His own life. And He would do it all over again just to be with you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we stand in awe of Your love. You gave up everything to draw near to us. Help us to understand the cost of Your transition and to live in gratitude for Your sacrifice. When we feel unworthy or unloved, remind us of the depth of Your love. Thank You for choosing us, even at the highest cost. Amen.