Figure of Speech

CONDESCENSION. This is the figure that tells what Jesus did for mankind. Webster defines it: "To descend voluntarily to the level, regarded as lower, of the person one is dealing with." We act out this figure when we play hide & seek with our kids, or talk baby-talk to them, or when we pretend to nibble on the baby's toes. It's a very legitimate figure that may be used by policemen who speak to an elementary class, or a Senator who addresses a graduation, or by a member of one ethnic group to another; and it's apt to be used by anyone who considers himself superior to the ones he's addressing. Beware of using this figure on another adult--he won't like it even a little bit if he thinks you're condescending to him. "Who do you think you are, Buster?" What right have you to speak to me like that? "I'll be the judge of that: Nobody, but nobody, tells me what to do!" Because authority is involved, condescension is a very powerful figure of speech.
A reading of the first three gospels makes it seem as though Jesus was simply born as a baby like everyone else, but from then on the story makes it increasingly clear that he'd had a previous life with the Father before being born on earth. From John's Gospel through Revelation we learn about how he condescended to come to Earth to be an example for us, and a Saviour & Deliverer, and to be a Son of God in the flesh!
Rom8:3: "God sending his own son in the likeness of human flesh.."
Heb10:5 "..a body hast thou prepared me.."
Phil 2:7 "Took upon him the form of a servant; made in the likeness of men.."
Dux allows: "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out the matter". Pr25:2
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