THE KING HAS COME P2: 
“The King Who Came Down”

Main Text: Philippians 2:5–11

Message Overview

Philippians 2 gives us one of the clearest pictures of who Jesus truly is. Before Bethlehem, before the manger, before Mary held Him, Jesus existed eternally as God. Yet He stepped down from the highest place, taking on flesh, becoming a servant, and humbling Himself all the way to death on a cross. This passage shows the downward path of Christ’s humility and the upward response of the Father who exalted Him to the highest place. At Christmas we celebrate the arrival of the King, the One who came down so we could be lifted up, the One who surrendered His crown so we could be restored. This is the heart of Christmas: the King has come.

 The Nature of the King (Philippians 2:5–6)

Paul reminds us that Jesus existed in the “very nature” of God. The Greek word morphē means His unchanging essence. Jesus didn’t become God. He has always been God. Yet He did not cling to His divine privilege or use His equality with God for selfish advantage. He willingly released the comforts of heaven for the sake of humanity.
Truth: The King who came to us has always been God and has always been worthy of worship.

 The Descent of the King (Philippians 2:7)

Jesus “made Himself nothing” by taking on the form of a servant. He didn’t come as a full-grown man, but as a baby, fully dependent on the very people He created. He lived in humility, washing feet, serving the broken, touching the untouchable, and obeying the Father perfectly.
Truth: The King does not demand to be served. He comes near and serves us in love.

 The Sacrifice of the King (Philippians 2:8)

Paul describes Jesus stepping down rung after rung: from heaven to earth, from glory to poverty, from authority to servanthood, all the way to death, even death on a cross. Crucifixion was the most shameful, humiliating death imaginable. Jesus went to the lowest place to reach us at our lowest point.
Truth: There is no depth Jesus will not go to in order to save you.

 The Exaltation of the King (Philippians 2:9–11)

Because Jesus humbled Himself perfectly, the Father exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above every name. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is not a suggestion. This is the future of the universe.
Truth: Every person will bow before Jesus, either now in surrender or later in judgment.

 The Gospel Connection

The story of Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger. It is about a King who came down to rescue His people. The One who stepped off His throne now calls us to step off ours. He came to restore what sin has broken, to place His name upon us, and to make us new. He descended in humility so we could ascend in hope. The King who came down is the King who saves.

 This Week’s Challenge

Ask yourself the real question of Christmas: Who is running your kingdom?
Many believe in Jesus but still sit on their own throne, calling their own shots. This week, surrender the places where pride, self-rule, or fear has taken over. Step off the throne and give Jesus the crown. Bow now, willingly and joyfully, before the One who bowed so low to lift you up. Let the King who came down rule your heart, shape your life, and lead your steps.