How the whole life of Jesus was the great contradiction of the way of Adam! Adam was nothing, but sought to be as God. Jesus was everything, consciously equal with God, yet made Himself nothing and emptied Himself. The person He assumed, the form of a servant; the station He filled on earth, a carpenter's son; His life, His ways, His testimony—all was the full contradiction of him whose departure from God in pride has fashioned the course of "this present evil world." He was ever hiding, ever emptying Himself. He could have commanded legions of angels (as Psalm 91:11 entitled Him; Matt. 26:53), but He was the silent captive of His wicked persecutors. If He taught, and the people wondered, He would say, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me." John 7:16. If He worked miracles, He would say, "The Son can do nothing of Himself." John 5:19.
What worship, what fragrant incense before God, was this life of Jesus! That divine delight in Him is here expressed (Psalm 91:14-16). And what rest and solace to the heart, yea, what satisfaction to the conscience, to know that God has been so honored, so refreshed, in this world of ours. What savor to the death or blood of Jesus does the life of Jesus render! His blood is the sinner's plea, his only title; but all God's delight in Him aids in enforcing the claim of that blood on the poor sinner's confidence.