Articles
We Need Jesus
Jesus, God's Son, is referred to as a "bond-servant" by Paul in the letter to the Philippians. (2:7) Then in verse eight we find the words, "He humbled Himself by becoming OBEDIENT TO THE POINT OF DEATH, EVEN DEATH ON A CROSS." What does it mean "He humbled Himself"? Since Jesus was both man and God, why was this necessary? I suggest we look at several Scriptures that will shed light on the answer.
First, we need to remember what it means to be "HUMBLE". I believe the first step is to remember God the Father is to be respected, honored and revered in every way. So, Jesus though being His Son, endeavored to learn and always had the greatest respect for His Father in the way He lived while on earth. Even all He taught was credited to the Father, not Himself.
"I can do nothing on My own initiative, as I hear, I judge; and MY judgment is just; because I do not seek My own will but THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME." (John 5:30)
"For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME." (John 6:38)
He was willing to learn and obey all the Father asked of Him. "..although He was a Son, He LEARNED OBEDIENCE from the things which He suffered; and having been made perfect, He became to all those WHO OBEY HIM the source of eternal salvation; " (Hebrews 5:8,9)
"...in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of Majesty on high; having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:2-4)
Jesus, in his discussion with some of His apostles, defines the character and nature of a servant. "It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be YOUR SERVANT, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; JUST AS THE SON OF MAN DID NOT COME TO BE SERVED, BUT TO SERVE, and to GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM OF MANY. " (Matthew 20:26-28)
During His short life on earth, Jesus served His Father, and others around Him. He fulfilled the promise of God to save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
Before being taken in the Garden and tried falsely by the Romans and Jews, Jesus went to the Garden with some of the disciples to pray. Often Jesus prayed to His Father on many occasions. At this time He was praying that the "cup" which He was about to experience might be taken away. This occasion and prayer of Jesus is found in three of the Gospel accounts. Let us observe His words in Luke's account. Please read Luke 22, verses 39-46.
"...saying, Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; YET NOT MY WILL , BUT THINE BE DONE. "Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. and being in AGONY, HE WAS PRAYING VERY FERVENTLY; AND HIS SWEAT BECAME LIKE DROPS OF BLOOD, FALLING DOWN UPON THE GROUND." (Luke 22:42-44)
God's plan to save man from sin put His Son in the very center of all steps necessary to complete that plan. Jesus always did the Father's will, even by going to that terrible cross. Did it seem easy for Him to do that? I think, from what we are told in His Word, the answer is very clear.
Jesus lived HIs life on earth with that thought constantly on HIs mind. He knew the time would come when He would be unjustly condemned and sentenced to hang there. To die alone, and being mocked and ridiculed by many , even those close to Him. He did that for EACH OF US!
So, the choice is ours. As Jesus said in Mark 16:16, "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, those who do not believe will be condemned", what will our answer to that be. His Gospel is not hard to understand and obey. Have you done that, and continued faithfully? A serious question for each of us. Please think about that today with me. 636.294.9468 if you would care to learn more about God's Book the Bible.
Ross
