When we talk about becoming like Jesus someone might object that Jesus was divine and we are not. How are we supposed to become like Jesus? How can we have all the love and faith and humility he had? I used to wonder this myself. But after carefully looking at Scripture I realized that Jesus did not depend on his divinity to live like he did. A key Scripture is Philippians 2:6-7 which explains that Jesus, “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (ESV).
Thus, the second person of the Trinity, God the Son, chose to let go of his divine powers and be born as a human. He lived as a human and served his Father as a human – without his divine powers. Because he is human like us (without the old fallen nature) he is qualified to be our human high priest and be the junction between God and humans. As a human, our high priest “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin”( Heb. 4:15). Consider how very human Jesus was on earth if he could actually be tempted “in every way” that we are!
Because Jesus was fully human and successfully lived in the Father’s will without his divine powers we too have access to this same kind of life. If he did it then we can do it. This is why he is declared to be a new Adam (Rom 5: 12– 21; 1 Cor 15: 20– 22; 45– 49). His humanity is a new beginning for humanity and the prototype of what we all can be. He blazed a new trail for us to follow.
And this is why Jesus said “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do” (John 14:12, ESV). Not just the twelve Apostles but “whoever believes”. And just in case that you think “works” only applies to the miracles of Jesus Philippians 2:5 directs us: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (NIV). Not only can we have the same mindset as Jesus but we can apply this to our relationships! And in Philippians chapter two the mindset of Jesus is being a humble servant.
For all these reasons we know that we truly can become Christformed. We can mature to live life like Jesus did. He did not depend on his divine powers to live the perfect human life, rather he depended on the Father and the Spirit. You can too. Besides, would Scripture repeatedly instruct us to become like Christ if it was not possible?
I am in most agreement with you on this. But I prefer to look at it this way: Jesus being fully human and fully divine had divine powers, but emptied Himself of the independent use of those divine powers, humbling Himself, submitting Himself and placing Himself in total dependence on the Father for His live and direction. In that way, too, we can become like Jesus … in humility, submission, dependence, obedience and transformation.