...Though he was in the form of God, (he) did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself,. being born in the likeness of men. -- Philippians 2:6-7 (RSV)

Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am."

-- John 8:58 (NRSV)

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The most crucial question that was ever asked about Jesus is the one the people asked as he came riding triumphantly into Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday: "Who is this?" (Matthew 21:10).

It is a familiar question. It was discussed by the apostles and answered by Peter at Caesarea Philippi: "You are Christ (i.e. the Messiah), the Son of the living God." It was asked in astonishment by the apostles when Jesus commanded the waters and winds to obey him. "Who is this," they asked, "that even the win…