Published by Being brought up in a Christian school, by Christian parents, going to a Christian bible study, surrounded by Christian friends and doing everything associated with being a “Christian” can tend to diminish the “awe” factor when we first hear about Jesus’ sacrifice for mankind. The problem does not lie in the message of the Gospel itself, but rather the excessive repetition of the message from such an early age. However as I read through the passage of Philippians, in particular verses 5-11, my mind is blown away in such a way that has not occurred since my first encounter with the Gospel.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped…”
Philippians 2:5-6
Humans are by sinful nature, selfish. I find that whenever an opportunity arises or when I discover an avenue to success I take it, holding on with all my strength, not letting it slip through my hands. But Jesus, the one who had absolutely everything we could ever dream of, being in very nature God! He did the one thing that you and I would never dream of doing, he let go, forfeiting all his power and riches. Here I am forced to examine myself, what would I have done in a similar situation? Just the other day I purchased the trendy Nike Air Prestige II sneakers at a hefty price of $80. Because of what Jesus has done, would I forgo this luxury and instead provide education for a young African kid? Would you? The story however, has only just begun.
Down and down he plummets, he “made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Think about it for a moment, Jesus a servant? The king of the entire world now reduced to a mere human? But there’s more, “And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” When I first read this, a resounding “WOW” went through my brain. As if becoming a man wasn’t enough, as if becoming a servant wasn’t enough, as if dying wasn’t enough, you know what Jesus does? He dies the worst possible death known to mankind at that point in history, death on a cross. Remember, this was done for you, and for me.
After reading this passage, it was impossible to not have implications on my life. In light of the love and humility shown by Jesus I began to reflect on my personal walk with God, and how I should respond. Following a quiet time with God, I concluded that the only proper response was hidden in the rest of Philippians.
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” vv10-11
My response to Christ’s love would largely involve my knees and my tongue. Would I live a life with my knees bowed to the Lord Jesus, or would I want to live my own life. Another question which causes a degree of self examination is, have I been bowing my knee only to get up again? Do I let Jesus control all aspects of my life? I find that I can easily trust God with the “surface” things in life, like my school work and my well-being. However when I encounter relationship problems I tend to try fix things myself instead of humbly presenting my troubles to Christ.
Is the name of Jesus on the tip of my tongue, or just an old toy gathering dust in the corner? Do I seek to glorify the name of Jesus daily, or am I ashamed to talk about his name. I find that although I attend a Christian school, outside biblical studies and devotional times, the name of Jesus is seldom mentioned whilst conversing with friends. This passage challenges me to live a life which reflects Christ’s humility and to speak boldly and openly about my faith.
I remember hearing a sermon on this very passage and I recall the speaker saying these words: “There are two types of people in this world, those whose knees will be bowed to the Lord Jesus, and those whose knees will be bowed to the Lord Jesus.” Eventually everybody will bow their knees. The question I ask myself is, how will I bow my knee to Jesus, will I bow willingly as a friend, or unwillingly as an enemy of God?
Philippians chapter 2 has evoked much thought and reflection. I have enjoyed discovering more about the powerful message of the Gospel and unraveling the mind-boggling humility of Christ. This passage will equip me during tough times but also provide assurance that one day I will be glorified with God when Jesus comes back. I would like to leave you this question for your own reflection. How will you bow the knee to Jesus, as friend or enemy?
