When we see or hear the word “condescending,” it can stir up a defensive posture or response. When we encounter a patronizing attitude or disdain towards another, it’s a form of pride few can or want to deal with.

It’s prevalent in our narcissistic culture that people self-appoint or seek to seize a position of authority.

We’ve all been in conversations where one person is trying to describe an experience we haven’t encountered; maybe a Grand Canyon experience. While we have all the pictures, we just can’t describe it for others. Then, unintentionally, one ends up saying, “well you just can’t appreciate it unless you’ve seen it yourself.” While not intentional at all, it’s still a condescending answer and can require a lot of humility on one’s part.

And yet… the most Condescending person there ever was, is

! - PRAY

Phl 2:6-11 may be the most powerful/glorious scripture that captures who Jesus is and what He did for us. But human words are not adequate to capture it. There’s an old hymn that sings “this poor lisping, stammering tongue” - that’s the way you feel when you try to convey the unconveyable.

This morning, I want to talk about what we can possess and how it allows us to see the glory of God and Heaven!

How do we accept the Condescension of Jesus? Condescending position derives from one placing themselves in a position of superiority, man can’t – God/Jesus can!

There are many today (many believers) who struggle with the

of God and their submission to Him! That theme “man’s failure to submit to God’s authority” runs throughout the Bible! Rom 13:1-2

But, this morning I want us to be able to see Heaven with the clarity that Jesus sees Heaven; and we can! It starts with us and our ability to clearly discern who Jesus is (God) and what we are, if we struggle with Jesus’ authority, we’ll struggle in our spiritual vision! – we’ll become

in our pride, emotions, and lack of humility.

2 Cor 8:9 “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

(Illustration)… Anybody have a favorite family recipe? (we all do) You can never experience the “life-changing goodness” of that recipe (Jesus for the illustration) unless you follow the recipe fully! …Point:

If we spiritually follow Jesus’ recipe, then we get to see spiritually what Jesus sees!

Let’s reestablish Jesus’ position: Jesus was arguably

than the other Jews Mt 8:20 & Lk 9:58 “no place to lay my head” – but, more so, Jesus became poor by giving up His rights as God and becoming human. This is the “Condescension of Jesus” let’s go back to Phl 2:5-7.

“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime (humility), you just might find, you get what you need!”

Jesus’ “Condescension” was in the act of leaving glory and fulfilling the Father’s redemptive plan for humanity! Understanding Christ’s condescension challenges us to embrace

in our own lives. As we reflect on Christ’s willingness to become poor for our sake, we must ask ourselves, “Am I encouraged to breakdown barriers in my own life to allow me to see what Jesus can see?”

What barriers?

(pride, surrender, accountability, purpose) – these are what blind us!

The depth of Christ’s love is demonstrated by His condescension, encouraging believers to respond with gratitude and a commitment to live

Reveal Answer

and

Reveal Answer

toward others.

The condescension of Christ defines the narrative of the Bible, revealing God’s unwavering desire to be in relationship with humanity. From Genesis, where God walks with Adam, to the incarnate Christ who dwelt among us, it consistently shows God’s initiative to reach down to us despite our sinfulness.

How do we come to this understanding that allows us to see as Jesus sees?

Psa 113:5-7 this Psalm is “1 of 3” titled “Hallel,” and they are in connection with “Passover” and sung before the Passover meal. It is believed this Psalm was sung by Jesus on the night He was

Mt 26:30; Mk 14:26
vs 5-6 “Who is like unto the Lord …who humbleth himself to behold the things of heaven and in the earth!”

When we grasp the

of God, His interest and care for creation, it’s remarkable! Psa 8:4; Psa 144:3

If it be such condescension for God to behold things in heaven and earth, what an amazing condescension was it for the Son of God to come from heaven to earth and take our nature upon him, that he might seek and save them that are lost! He indeed humbled himself. —Charles Spurgeon

Psa 113:7-8 so that He can raise us up from the lowest to sit amongst and with the princes of His people. Jesus Himself does this from a position of humility, He does not lift-up the proud & prestigious!

1 Sam 2:8 – the Father responds to Hannah’s prayer for her son Samuel. Hannah praised God for His answered prayer. The theme of her poetic prayer is her confidence in God’s

and her thankfulness for everything he had done.

Listen to Mary’s song modeled after Hannah’s Lk 1:46-50 – Mary glorified God for what he was going to do for the world through her Son. Notice that in both songs, God is pictured as a

of the lowly (humble).

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary vss 26-38 and told her (revealed, allowing her to see heaven) that she had found favor with God and that through Her Son vs 48 “all nations shall be blessed.”

The position Jesus is calling us to is the same position that Mary & Hannah possessed… but even more so it’s the same position that Jesus possessed Isa 57:15 – a contrite and humble spirit

Consider Amy for Africa: It wasn’t until Amy and Chris, in their humility, surrendered that God worked through them.

In Closing…
Back to 2 Cor 8:9 – Paul’s argument is an extremely simple

(if we’re willing to follow it):

1. First is the pristine condition of our Savior: “He was
   Reveal Answer
   .”
2. Next, we have his condescension: “He became
   Reveal Answer
   .”
3. And finally, we have the effect and result of his poverty: “That we might be made
   Reveal Answer
   .”

We can’t think that our Savior didn’t feel as we often feel, as a fleshly man. What humility/patience it took of Him, as the Redeemer, to tread through this world and not crush us beneath His feet.

But Jesus was able to see the Father’s will through it all,

“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do!”

Jesus’ call is not of man’s condescension, but His, and being a great example Himself of the humility that He calls us to. Allowing us His glory, and allowing us to see Heaven as well, that otherwise we cannot see in the flesh!

Jesus said “Though I was rich, yet for your sakes I became poor, that through my poverty you can be rich!”

The Recipe - a contrite and humble spirit - opens our eyes to see the riches of Heaven!