The captain of a ship looked into the dark night and saw a light in the distance. Immediately he told his signalman to send a message, “Alter your course ten degrees south.” He promptly received a reply, “Alter your course ten degrees north.”
The furious captain sent another message, “Alter your course ten degrees south. I am a captain!” Soon another reply was received, “Alter your course ten degrees north. I am seaman third class Jones.”
The captain sent a final message, “Alter your course ten degrees south. I am a battleship.” The reply was, “Alter your course ten degrees north. I am a lighthouse.” (Illustration Source: Online Unknown)
We live in such a culture with an independent mindset. We frequently live our lives with choices that say, “no one is going to tell me what to do…I am the captain of my own life!” However, Biblical reality (truth) tells us this mindset is not what God had in mind! We must run our lives in the direction of Jesus and yield to Jesus.
Part of yielding to the Jesus way is revealed in Philippians 2:5-11. It is here we find we must yield to humility. This section of scripture begins with the call for the church to “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” – literally, ‘think this in yourselves’ (Vincent Word Studies). The words used here point to a personal application of yielding to humility. The phrase “let this mind be among you” does not fit in this context and cannot replace the translation of “let this mind be in you.” The idea here is for the disciple of Jesus to love the things Jesus loved and hate the things Jesus hated. Our thoughts, desires, and motives ought to reflect the thoughts, desires, and motives of Jesus (Pulpit Commentary). Jesus is our ultimate model to follow!
Philippians 2:6- Christ’s Divine Nature.
Jesus was/is equal with God. He receives Divine worship from men for He is not just equal with God…Jesus is God! John 1:1. Col. 1:15-17. Heb. 12:2.
Our humanity naturally longs for and often pursues recognition, praise, and promotion. Think about it. In high school we want to be included with the popular crowd, in college we want positive recognition from our peers and leaders, in adult life we want a nicer home and a bigger bank account – and in all phases of life we want acceptance…approval!
Yet, Jesus Christ chose humility. From a human viewpoint, Jesus Christ chose less…not more. In actuality, Jesus chose what we view as less, but His choices brought us far more gain than we could have ever thought possible! Forgiveness of sin, righteousness credited to our account, genuine relationship with God – all ours because of Jesus! Let’s look at the steps of humility Jesus chose.
Philippians 2:7- Christ’s Human Nature.
(Source: Matthew Henry Commentary)
o The first step of Jesus’ humility described here is pictured in how Jesus took on the form of mankind, His creation (Phil. 2:7). Jesus became like all of us in every way…except without sin.
o The second step of Jesus’ humility is seen in His taking on the form of man in a low position (form of a servant) (Phil. 2:7). Jesus left the splendor of the throne room of heaven and lived a life of service and poverty throughout His earthly ministry.
o The third step of Jesus’ humility is understood in Phil. 2:8. Jesus humbled Himself through obedience to the will of God the Father … this humble, sacrificial obedience was not even hindered or compromised with the threat of death. Such a humble position exposed Jesus to ridicule, scorn, horrific torture, and His eventual undeserved death surrounded by criminals.
No matter what our earthly possessions and resources are in this life, we too have nothing of eternal worth. Our best efforts aside from Jesus are compared to filthy rages in Isaiah 64:6. Romans 6:20-23 teaches us that all of mankind are slaves to sin (free from righteousness) with no hope of saving ourselves from our own destruction! But then Jesus came, paid our sin debt, freed us from our bondage, and we became servants of God almighty!
Philippians 2:9-11- The Exaltation of Christ’s Human and Divine Nature.
Jesus’ name is above every other name under heaven. He humbled Himself and became a man…He humbled Himself and became a man as a lowly servant…He humbled Himself and endured a cruel death that we might live! He is worthy! Worthy is the lamb that was slain! His name is power (He spoke creation into existence)…His name is healing (He healed the leper, the Centurion’s servant, and lame man)…His name is life (He raised Lazarus from the dead)… His name is above every other name!
It is at the name of Jesus that every man, woman, and child will bow their knee and confess with their tongue that Jesus Christ is LORD! This is more than simply speaking His name. This is the authority of His name!
So, church of God, it is with this foundation that we look to think like Jesus with…
4 Truths for Disciples of Jesus to Remember
Phil. 2:6-8-
1. Trust God with your reputation.
2. Seek to serve, not to be served. (Mk. 10:45)
3. Choose humility and let God do the “lifting up.” (Jas. 4:10)
4. Purpose in your heart to obey God, no matter what. (Jn. 14:15)
Observe the amazing selfless love of Jesus for us all! What does our love for Jesus look like today? Many years ago, Frances R. Havergal wrote:
I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed,
That thou mightest ransomed be, and quickened from the dead;
I gave, I gave My life for thee, what hast thou done for Me?
I suffered much for thee, more than thy tongue can tell,
Of bitterest agony, to rescue you from hell;
I’ve born, I’ve born it all for thee, what hast thou born for me?
And I have brought down for thee, down from my home above,
Salvation full and free, my pardon and my love;
I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee, what hast thou brought to Me?
We must yield to humility and chose the Jesus way.