By bro Alan Poon
When we see the word “fashion”, we think of fashion trends. We read fashion magazines to get the latest fashion tips on clothing, shoes and accessories. This article is not about listing the fashion tips for men, but to talk about someone in the Bible being found in the “fashion of a man”.
Php 2:7-8 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in the fashion of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross.
Why is Jesus described as “being found in the fashion of a man”? Take for instance, a lamp that is designed to look like a reindeer. It is a lamp that has a “fashion” of a reindeer. Critics continue to argue that Jesus was just a man. Jews believe that their Saviour has not yet come. Agnostics claim that we cannot prove the existence of God or the deity of Christ. Free thinkers treat Jesus as just another myth. In Josephus’ testimony of Jesus (Antiquities 18:63), he also referred to Jesus as a “wise man”, but quickly expressed his ambivalence with this phrase (“if indeed one ought to call him a man”) because Jesus did marvellous works and was a great teacher. Just as a lamp with the fashion of a reindeer is still a lamp, Jesus, incarnated as man, remains as God.
Could Jesus have taken another form other than a man to save us from sin? The answer is no. We learn that
- The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23);
- For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins (Heb 10:4); and
- Christ’s death was needed as the perfect sacrifice (Heb 10:14).
Let us consider the inward characteristics of a man that Jesus exhibited. In Php 2:7-8, apart from having the appearance of a man, Jesus humbled himself and became obedient unto death. I have a green long-sleeve shirt that my colleagues used to say makes me look like a Mos Burger’s waiter. I like the comment and have been looking to buy more male waiter-style shirts. I may wear a waiter-style shirt, but it may not necessarily make me more willing to serve others, like a waiter. But in coming as a man, Jesus demonstrated His ability and willingness to serve, and He shows us that it is possible for man to do so. Jesus was obedient unto death, demonstrating the ability of man to be obedient to God.
Is there someone you aspire to be? Do not let your adorning be external (1 Pet 3:3). Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:24). Put on the breastplate of faith and love, and helmet for hope of salvation (1 Thess 5:8). Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Col 3:12).