Passion Week Devotion #2
Oak Valley Church Passion Week 2021 Passion Week Devotions
Devotion 2 – March 30, 2021
March 30, 2021 – Tuesday
Text – Philippians 2:1-11
Focal Text – Philippians 2:8 – “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point, even death on a cross.”
For any person who has given attention to the study of scripture especially the New Testament and most especially with interest in Christology, it would be hard to recall a more familiar text. This is often a “go to” text for those leading in corporate worship. And why wouldn’t it be? Just listen to the characterization of the very nature of Christ. “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.” Then as will most often happen, the worshippers will break out in a glorious anthem or medley of choruses that project praise and honor to the Son. Even now as you just read this text you likely were stirred at least mentally and maybe even audibly to direct praise to Christ, The Humble Servant.
What we may sometimes fail to do is to consider this characterization of Christ in its context. Paul is writing to the Philippian Church. In the early verses of our text we read that Paul is encouraging the church to follow the example of Christ in humility. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God…humbled himself…” Then we read of the greatest expression of humility in all of human history. “And being found in human form, he (meaning Christ) humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Christ’s expression of humility extended to a commitment to the very nature and purpose of God that required the personal sacrifice of his (Christ’s) own life by death on a cross, for the glory of God and the interests of others. This is the example that Paul used when seeking to teach the Philippian believers to, “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.” The ultimate example of humility is the cross of Christ.
Consider Christ Jesus and his approach to the cross by looking at four things from this text.
First, the expression of the humility of Christ by his death on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of His care, concern and commitment to the best interests of others. You may already trust Christ and are a recipient of all that was secured by his humble service on the cross, primarily forgiveness of your sin, reconciliation with the Father, and eternal life. But if you have not yet trusted Christ these things are yours if you will but trust in Him and “take up your cross and follow Him” (Luke 9:23).
Second, the expression of Christ’s humility as demonstrated on the cross pleased the Father. We know this because it was an act of obedience to the purpose and plan of God. It was also consistent with the nature of God. Don’t miss this. Christ was “In the form of God.” This means that he had the very nature of God. John tells us that “God is love” (1Jn.4:8). True love is expressed in acts of humility in service of others. Therefore, we know that the very nature of God is marked by a love that is grounded in His righteousness. When we read that, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16), we are hearing the demonstration of a caring, loving, and giving God.
Third, the expression of Christ’s humility in his death on the cross was a selfless act. He gave of himself. Yes, the cross was an instrument of torture used by the Roman government to take the lives of those they deemed criminal. And, the scriptures teach that “they” crucified him, meaning that others sentenced him to death and under the authority of the Roman government there were those who carried out the orders of execution. But before all of that was possible “Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23). And, Jesus said, “I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to
take it up again” (Jn. 10:17b-18a).
Fourth, the expression of Christ’s humility by his death on the cross is certainly more than just an example of how fellow believers should serve each other in the body of Christ. But it is no less than that. And we know this because under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Paul used it to illustrated how the church should act. As believers the cross stands as our example of how to love, give to, give for, care for and consider our brothers and sisters in Christ and those outside the body of Christ.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, because as a believer I have according to Your word and by Your grace this mind, which is only known in You, grant that I may live with a heart and mind that reflect Your humility, which You demonstrated on the cross. Cause me to live with the cross behind me reminding me of the justification that I have because of Your atoning work on the cross. And, cause me to live with the cross before me that I may be reminded that my life is to be given in service to others pursuing even to death the interests of others for the sake of the gospel, Your glory. Amen.
Hymn: At the Cross