Jesus emptied himself–made himself nothing.  He took the form of a servant, and he was made in human likeness–a great step down from being equal with the Father.  He took a second step down by humbling himself and becoming obedient to the point of death.  Then he took a third step down by dying the death of the criminal and the sinner on the cross. He goes all the way down and down and down to redeem you and me. (Jack Miller)