I think most of us would like to be great. We would like to have a life that when others see or even hear of us, it would demand respect and admiration.
We can learn some valuable lessons from one of the most respected men who ever lived – Jesus Christ. Jesus has had the greatest impact our world has ever experienced.
In Philippians 2:4-11, Paul describes the impact of Jesus on the world. Four phrases help us discover what made Jesus great, and what characteristics will lead to our greatness.
1. He thinks of others, not himself
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind by in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:4,5)
The ‘mind’ of Christ means the ‘attitude’ Christ exhibited. Attitude is so important. The attitude of Jesus was on others. When our attitude is selfish, our actions will be divisive and destructive.
These verses take us back into eternity. Jesus had the ‘form of God.’ This has nothing to do with shape or size, because God is a Spirit. The word ‘form’ means ‘the outward expression of the inward nature.’ This verse teaches that Jesus Christ was God.
Certainly, as God, Jesus did not need anything. He had all the glory and praise of Heaven. He reigned over the universe. But verse 6 states an amazing fact: Jesus didn’t His godhood as something to hold onto. He was not thinking of Himself. He had an unselfish concern for others.
2. He serves
“… made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant…” (Phil. 2:7)
Thinking of others is not enough; we must get down to real life. Paul traces the steps in the service of Christ: (1) He emptied Himself, laying aside the independent use of His own attributes as God; (2) He permanently became a human, in a sinless physical body; (3) He used that body to be a servant; (4) He took that body to the cross and willingly died.
From Heaven to Earth, from Glory to Shame, from Master to Servant, from Life to Death. Jesus did not pretend to be a servant. He was not an actor playing a role. He actually was a servant.
If you read through the four Gospels you will notice that it is Jesus who serves others, not others who serve Jesus. He serves all kinds of people – fishermen, harlots, tax collectors, the sick, the sorrowing. At the Last Supper, Jesus laid aside his robe, and took a long towel, and washed the disciples’ feet.
3. He sacrifices
“… he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:8)
Many people are willing to serve others if it does not cost them anything. But if there is a price to pay, they suddenly lose interest. But Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice – His life. He willingly laid down His life for the sins of the whole world.
4. He glorifies God
“… God also hath highly exalted him… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:9-11)
This is the great goal of all Jesus did – and us – to glorify God. Jesus humbled Himself for others and God exalted Him – the result was the glory of God.
Jesus’ exaltation began with His resurrection. The last thing any human hands did to Jesus was to bury His body in a grave. From that point on, it was God who worked. Men had done their worst to Him, but God exalted and honored Him. He arose from the dead and returned in victory to Heaven.
His exaltation included authority over everything. All will bow to Him. To bow to Him now means salvation. To wait to bow before Him in judgment means condemnation.
The whole purpose of Christ’s humiliation and exaltation is the glory of God. As Jesus faced the cross His prayer was “Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee.” (John 17:1).
I encourage you, if you want a life that is great, to pattern what Jesus did…
… think of others, not yourself.
… serve others.
… make sacrifices.
… glorify God.
You can also read my other articles about Jesus: Why We Call Him Savior, Jesus is the Question (and Answer), What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
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