Posted on 12/10/2017 12:57:46 PM PST by metmom
He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).
Instead of asserting His divine rights, Christ submitted Himself to the cross.
Even though the people did not recognize the deity of Christ and treated Him as a criminal, He did not fight back. Instead, He humbled Himself. Consider His trial. He said not a word to defend Himself throughout unbelievable humiliation. They mocked Him, punched Him, pulled out His beardyet He did not say a word. He was silent and accepted mans abuse through each phase of His phony trial. He did not demand His rights but humbled Himself.
In humility Christ was obedient to the point of death (v. 8). At no time did our Lord say, Stop! Thats enoughnot in the middle of His trial, not when He was mocked, not when forced to walk half-naked through the city of Jerusalem with a cross on His back, not even on the cross. Christ was willing to descend into the muck and slime of death that He might bring us out of death into life.
Christ suffered not just death but death on a crossthe most excruciating, embarrassing, degrading, painful, and cruel death ever devised. The Jewish people hated crucifixion because of Deuteronomy 21:23: Anyone who is hung on a tree is under Gods curse (NIV). The God who created the universe suffered the ultimate human degradationhanging naked against the sky before a mocking world, with nails driven through His hands and feet.
Early nineteenth-century American preacher Gardiner Spring wrote, The cross is the emblem of peace, but it is also an emblem of ignominy and suffering: it was so to the Saviourit is so to his followers. Christ said that His disciples must take up their cross and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). In keeping with Christs example, have you taken up the cross, living for His honor and glory no matter what?
Suggestions for Prayer
Ask the Lord to help you follow His example of self-denial.
For Further Study
Read Matthew 27:11-50, noting Christs obedience.
Studying God’s Word ping
Thank you. I appreciate a new viewpoint leading to our savior.
“the most excruciating, embarrassing, degrading, painful, and cruel death ever devised.”
And in my opinion the worst part was that every sin ever committed by all of man was placed on Him. Just how crushing was it that our sinless Savior had every sin placed on His body and soul.
Thank you Lord Jesus!
Great post, thanks metmom!
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