Read Philippians 2:1-11
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, 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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Humbleness. It’s not a word we hear promoted much these days. Humility. Selflessness. Our culture seems to encourage us to care about “Me, me, me!”
Yet how grateful we are that Jesus isn’t like this! If He hadn’t left His throne above to save us, where would we be? Doomed to hell! It’s hard to imagine giving up the luxuries and glories of heaven, where Jesus was seated at the right hand of the Father… to be born as a helpless Baby, dependent on new parents to try to figure out what His cries meant. Too hot? Too cold? Hungry? Tired?
Remember Maundy Thursday, the last bit of “free time” Jesus had before His unjust arrest? He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
But suffering and being mocked, a thrashing with sharp barbs, and death by crucifixion were the Father’s plan for Him. Because we needed to be saved. “By His wounds, we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
Advent is a time of penitence. A time to reflect on our sins. A time to turn to God. A time to repent and ask for forgiveness. Advent is a time to remember that Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us! He’s the Savior who saves us from our sins and gives us hope.
We won’t be bound to this sinful life forever. Jesus will come again! He will make all things new! Jesus will take us in His perfect timing to live forever with Him! The Lamb of God, who was born that night so long ago, is the same Lamb of God who sits on His throne! Because Jesus humbled Himself, an eternity awaits us that will be better than any Advent and Christmas season!
Questions
- What do you think must have been the most frustrating things for Jesus to experience as a human (100% God, yet 100% man)?
- How can you make space to sit with your Bible and pray? To confess your sins to God and ask Him for forgiveness? Where and when will you do this?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, it’s pretty incredible to think of what You gave up for me. “Thank You” can’t express the gratitude I feel. Please forgive me for all my sins. Help me to be humble like You. To care about others. To live love. I look forward to an amazing eternity with You!
0 Comments