What Jesus Did
Pastor Steve Ogden asks not “What Would Jesus Do?” … but tells “What Jesus Did”.
Jesus as Our Example
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:5-11 English Standard Version (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.
- Jesus is the Ultimate Example of Humility
– Jesus is both fully God and fully man, yet he set aside his divine power to serve mankind
– Jesus recognized that pain and humiliation were a part of his calling
– He deserved to be treated like a king but was treated like a criminal instead
– This should propel us to lay down our entitlements and serve God regardless of status or cost
- Jesus is the Ultimate Example of Sacrificial Submission
– Although he did not want to (Luke 22:42), Jesus submitted to the most humiliating and painful death imaginable
– The people called for the death of Jesus and the leaders of the day mocked him (Matthew 27), yet Jesus chose to die for them
– Jesus totally submitted to the will of the Father, regardless of the personal cost
– Believers today must recognize that there will be sacrifice in their Christian walk. Life will not always be easy, but perseverance leads to incredible reward.
Jesus is the Ultimate Example of Purpose
– The first reward of following God’s calling regardless of cost is that of purpose
– Jesus knew his purpose was to save man from sin. He paid the ultimate price to accomplish this purpose.
– All Christians are called to be a light to the world. We are called to make disciples (Matthew 28), and be a witness (Acts 1)
– Although the road will be challenging, the purpose one finds in serving God is an incredible gift.
Jesus is the Ultimate Reward
– After his humiliating death, Jesus rose again and was exalted.
– Christ’s reward was simply restoration, our reward is the gift of eternity in heaven
– If we pursue God, regardless of the cost, we will receive the ultimate reward
This Scripture serves as an encouragement to all who believe because it shows us how much we mean to God, and it provides the ultimate example of how we should strive to live our lives today.
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