Posted on 03/22/2017 4:39:06 PM PDT by metmom
“Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7).
Jesus is the role model of the suffering servant.
Jesus not only gave up His divine privileges when He emptied Himself, but He also became a servant. For us, this is the next phase in His supreme example of humility. Paul’s phrase “the form of a bond-servant” can also be translated “the essence of a slave.” Christ’s servanthood was not just external—it extended to the essential, down-to-earth role of a bond-slave doing the will of His Father.
We would expect Jesus, the God-man, to be a servant only in the truest fashion. His servitude was not performed like a stage player putting on and taking off the costume of a servant. Jesus truly became a servant. He perfectly fulfilled everything Isaiah predicted about Him (52:13-14). Jesus was the Messiah who was a suffering servant.
Christ’s entire earthly ministry is the yardstick by which we can measure servanthood. As God, He owned everything; as the servant, He had to borrow everything: a place to be born, a boat in which to cross the Sea of Galilee and preach from, a donkey (itself a symbol of humility and servitude) to ride into Jerusalem for His triumphal entry, a room to celebrate His final Passover in, and a grave to be buried in.
Our Savior acknowledged His role as a servant very simply: “I am among you as the one who serves” (Luke 22:27). And it was all done with love, with consistency, with humility, without the pretense of outward form.
As we continue to look to our Lord Jesus as the role model of humility, the challenge for us is to follow His attitude and practice. Paul instructs those who would be servants of Christ, “Let love be without hypocrisy. . . . Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:9-11).
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank and praise the Lord that Jesus was such a humble but willing servant on your behalf.
For Further Study
Isaiah 52:13—53:12 is known as the Suffering Servant passage. As you read it, write down the various ways it describes Jesus’ suffering. How is His humility in evidence?
Studying God’s Word ping
Paul could raise the dead but in order to keep him humble he had his eye disease which wouldn’t go away even after prayer and prayer from his friends. If I could raise the dead I would be a raving lunatic. I’d most likely have a cape so it’s probably a good idea I can’t do that as far as I know.
Thanks!
Isn’t He wonderful?
You raise a good point.
I wonder if part of the reason we aren’t seeing more miracles like the church did in the book of Acts is that too many people would take the attention for themselves.
You can certainly see it in many areas where so and so has a *healing ministry*.
And when he shows up, people FLOCK to see him and be healed. There’s a lot of respecting people involved with people become big name miracles workers.
YES! I’m continually encouraged by Lord Jesus Christ and his church and Freeper saints. Thanks again
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