I think the mystery of Philippians 2:5-11 could keep us pondering forever. This passage, often referred to as the kenosis (which I assume Thomasius referred to), is fascinating and leaves us with some tension and mystery. John Wesley's commentary on this section is powerful, and reveals some of the tension found in the revelation of the nature of Jesus. Wesley wrote:
He emptied himself - Of that divine fulness, which he received again at his exaltation. Though he remained full (John 1:14), yet he appeared as if he had been empty; for he veiled his fullness from the sight of men and angels. Yea, he not only veiled, but, in some sense, renounced, the glory which he had before the world began.
Taking – And by that very act, emptying himself.
The form of a servant – The form, the likeness, the fashion, though not exactly the same, are yet nearly related to each other. The form expresses something absolute; the likeness refers to other things of the same kind; the fashion respects what appears to sight and sense.
Being made in the likeness of men – A real man, like other men. Hereby, he took the form of a servant.
The beauty of the mystery of Christ! How glorious He is.
He emptied himself - Of that divine fulness, which he received again at his exaltation. Though he remained full (John 1:14), yet he appeared as if he had been empty; for he veiled his fullness from the sight of men and angels. Yea, he not only veiled, but, in some sense, renounced, the glory which he had before the world began.
Taking – And by that very act, emptying himself.
The form of a servant – The form, the likeness, the fashion, though not exactly the same, are yet nearly related to each other. The form expresses something absolute; the likeness refers to other things of the same kind; the fashion respects what appears to sight and sense.
Being made in the likeness of men – A real man, like other men. Hereby, he took the form of a servant.
The beauty of the mystery of Christ! How glorious He is.