August 3, 2013 Jesus' Hard Death

Read Philippians 2:5-8 Jesus’ Hard Death 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 made himself nothing, 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. WHEN someone teaches you, especially regarding certain rules of behavior, what is a really good way for you to learn? It helps, doesn’t it, when you have a real life to follow? You know, for example, how to be a good teacher as you remember the good teachers in your life. Someone’s way of life gives you a good life way to travel on, doesn’t it? As Paul urges the church at Philippi to have a mind of humility, he helps them see what that looks like through the example of the Lord Jesus. Of course, Jesus is the great model of every aspect of our life’s way, but Paul drives humility home with the compelling view of Jesus’ cross death. Oh yeah, Jesus died on a cross for you. You’ve heard that haven’t you? But does it humble you to know that? As Paul says Jesus was “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” he drives home the point Jesus died a most horrible death. Not only was Jesus humble to become human, but he was humble to die in agony for you. What’s your response when someone does something nice for you? You’re grateful, aren’t you? What’s your response that Jesus has humbled himself to excruciating suffering for you? A Moment’s Thought: Jesus’ humility is your life’s way.