Word@Work Phil16 - Philippians 2:8
Published: Thu, 10/15/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
DEADLY DEMANDS
Phil. 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross! (NIV)
Most people accept that Jesus was crucified. They may not understand the significance of this death, or think it has any personal relevance, but the historical evidence that the event took place is overwhelming. This verse gives an extraordinary insight into what happened to God the Son at Calvary. Although Jesus was God in a human body, He chose to place Himself under the curse which had afflicted mankind ever since the fall. He chose to do the one thing which eternal God cannot do ... to die.
But, extraordinarily, the verse says that He 'became obedient to death'. It was as if death itself was demanding His life: the inevitable consequence of accepting the liability for the sin of the world. But more accurately, Jesus was obeying God's law which says that the punishment for sin is death (see Numbers 15:30-31, Rom 3:23). More specifically, He was obeying Father God's commission to be the Saviour of the world (see 1 John 4:14). By this action, Jesus demonstrated the sort of obedience which stripped Him of every rightful advantage, and willingly accepted the shameful and degrading public crucifixion.
None of us can in any way atone for our own sins; leave alone the sins of others: Christ has done that for us. But the purpose of this verse is to remind us that, in Christ, our lives are not our own (see 1 Cor 6:19-20). We have no right to cling onto our 'rights', but are obliged to accept every commission - even if it ends in death. The Apostle Paul fully expected that he would need to make that sacrifice (see 2 Tim 4:6) and knew that many other believers would too (see Phil 1:29). With the prospect of martyrdom, the obedient example of Jesus Christ was the inspiration to remain steadfast until the end (see 1 Peter 5:9). And suffering is inevitable if we follow Jesus (see 2 Tim 3:12). As we endure, we show how closely we identify with our Saviour (see Col 1:24).
So keep your eyes on Jesus (see Heb 12:2-3) and keep being obedient to His will. If life is hard at home or work, know that it was harder for Him, but also that He knows how to bring justice in the end (see 2 Pet 2:9). So encourage the other believers at work, on your travels and in the church. They may really need that strengthening support today.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that Jesus was obedient in completing the cross-work of salvation for me. Help me to be obedient today so that I will endure suffering and fulfil Your purpose in my life. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Most people accept that Jesus was crucified. They may not understand the significance of this death, or think it has any personal relevance, but the historical evidence that the event took place is overwhelming. This verse gives an extraordinary insight into what happened to God the Son at Calvary. Although Jesus was God in a human body, He chose to place Himself under the curse which had afflicted mankind ever since the fall. He chose to do the one thing which eternal God cannot do ... to die.
But, extraordinarily, the verse says that He 'became obedient to death'. It was as if death itself was demanding His life: the inevitable consequence of accepting the liability for the sin of the world. But more accurately, Jesus was obeying God's law which says that the punishment for sin is death (see Numbers 15:30-31, Rom 3:23). More specifically, He was obeying Father God's commission to be the Saviour of the world (see 1 John 4:14). By this action, Jesus demonstrated the sort of obedience which stripped Him of every rightful advantage, and willingly accepted the shameful and degrading public crucifixion.
None of us can in any way atone for our own sins; leave alone the sins of others: Christ has done that for us. But the purpose of this verse is to remind us that, in Christ, our lives are not our own (see 1 Cor 6:19-20). We have no right to cling onto our 'rights', but are obliged to accept every commission - even if it ends in death. The Apostle Paul fully expected that he would need to make that sacrifice (see 2 Tim 4:6) and knew that many other believers would too (see Phil 1:29). With the prospect of martyrdom, the obedient example of Jesus Christ was the inspiration to remain steadfast until the end (see 1 Peter 5:9). And suffering is inevitable if we follow Jesus (see 2 Tim 3:12). As we endure, we show how closely we identify with our Saviour (see Col 1:24).
So keep your eyes on Jesus (see Heb 12:2-3) and keep being obedient to His will. If life is hard at home or work, know that it was harder for Him, but also that He knows how to bring justice in the end (see 2 Pet 2:9). So encourage the other believers at work, on your travels and in the church. They may really need that strengthening support today.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that Jesus was obedient in completing the cross-work of salvation for me. Help me to be obedient today so that I will endure suffering and fulfil Your purpose in my life. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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