Jesus Humbled Himself for Us

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)

⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Devotion:

            Jesus being God in human flesh did some extraordinary things while he walked on this earth. He showed himself to be God in the flesh with many signs and wonders. His many types of healings were proof that Jesus was no ordinary human being. His signs of power in casting out many demons and his command of the supernatural world all pointed to his being more than just an ordinary human being.

            The most amazing act which Jesus performed as he walked among us on this earth was his taking the form of servant. It was amazing how he served people who were in need as he met them. He had a servant heart. He dedicated his earthly life to healing and restoring human beings to health. He healed everyone who had a need. From those born blind to whom he gave sight to, a poor widow whose only son who had died whom he restored to life. He healed lepers and restored hearing and speech to those who need his healing touch.

            However, his most audacious act came as he endured a mock trial and even death on a cross. What was his crime we ask? He was innocent of any crime worthy of death. He died because the religious authorities were jealous of the good works that he had performed. You see the religious types were unable to perform these great miracles that he was doing. Therefore, they needed this miracle worker dead as he was a threat to their power and prestige. Even though Jesus came as a humble servant and never aspired to political greatness he had to be destroyed. The humble Jewish miracle worker and teacher could not be allowed to live. So, the religious and political leaders of his day had to get rid of him.

            What these leaders did not count on was of course that Jesus the man was also Christ the God who has authority over death itself. He humbly submitted to the most cruel and barbaric form of death known to man at that time. Suffering unimaginable pain and anguish as he hung there on the cross, he humbly suffered these things that we might have eternal life through him.

            God raised Jesus on the third day. He appeared to his followers. He ascended into heaven where he is seated on the throne of God. All glory and honor will be given to him when that last day comes. Let us praise God for his magnificent deeds.

            Prayer

            Glory to God in the highest heaven. We worship you because of your great power that raised Jesus from the dead. Lord, we put our trust in you that just as you raised Jesus from the grave you will raise us to new life in you. Glory be to God most high. Amen.