The Essential Jesus Day 2

Who Is Jesus: Living Like Jesus

PRAY: Lord, as I delve into your word, help me to pause from my hectic schedule and be truly present to you so I may hear and understand. Amen

READ: Philippians 2:1-11

REFLECT: Paul challenges his fellow Christians to live in harmony with one another and to love one another. Our life should be modeled on the life of Jesus. Who is Jesus?

Jesus is God (Phil 2:6). Paul, the writer of Philippians, is Jewish and a follower of Jesus. He strongly believes in only one God—it is the foundation of the Jewish faith (Deuteronomy 6:4). For him to proclaim Jesus as God is profound and unexpected. His experience of the risen Christ has changed his perspective.

Jesus is human (Phil 2:7). Jesus empties himself, abandons his privileges as God and becomes a vulnerable human being. In fact he becomes a servant. Jesus tells us that he came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28). He even washes his disciples feet and tells them to do the same for one another (John 13:14-16). Who would have ever expected God to come to serve?

Jesus humbles himself (Phil 2:8). The fact that God, the creator of the universe who formed us from the earth and breathed life into us, would become human is a startling act of humility. But it doesn’t end there. Jesus allows us to judge him and to put him to death. An innocent man dies at the hands of the guilty.

Jesus is obedient (Phil 2:8). Jesus was obedient to God the Father, even at the risk of his own life for the sake of saving humanity from itself. When he took our sins upon him, he experienced the wrath of God while reconciling the world to God. He restored our relationship with God (2 Cor 5:18-21).

Jesus is exalted by God (Phil 2:9-11). Of course, Jesus doesn’t stay dead. God raises Jesus from the dead. He conquers sin, death and the devil for you and for me. His resurrection proves that Jesus is who he says he is. His triumph over death proves we can trust his promises.

APPLY: Who is God calling you to serve? How does your attitude and behavior need to change so you can humble yourself? What does it mean for you to be obedient to God? What does it look like for you to bow before Jesus and confess him as Lord? How does that change your life and the choices you make?

PRAY: Jesus, how awestruck I am that you would chose to become human and to save the likes of me. I am not worthy. Transform me so I can be like you—not for my own sake, but for the sake of others. Make me a servant, humble me, make me obedient. For you are my Lord and my God! Amen.