Philippians 2:7 “He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”
Have you noticed what the above verse is saying? Compare it with what is said about Jesus in verse 6: “being in very nature God”. Those words ‘in very nature’ mean ‘having the essential characteristics of’. In verse 6 we might say that Jesus has all the Godness of God – all that makes God ‘God’, Jesus is. Then in verse 7, Jesus takes the essential characteristics of a bond slave – what a come down! All that makes a bond slave, Jesus became. He had neither rights nor status. Legally he was not so much a person but a thing, someone’s possession. Those words ‘made himself nothing’ in some versions are translated as ‘he emptied himself’. What a sharp contrast to our society in which there is a strong tendency not to empty ourselves but to puff ourselves up, like amorous male frogs seeking to impress their ladies – with appearance triumphing over substance.
John 13:3-5 says: “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power… so he… took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist… he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet”. The verse suggests that it was because of Jesus’ power that He chose to do the most demeaning task. Astonishing! In a Jewish household, washing guests’ feet was done by a gentile bond slave as it was considered too lowly a task for a Jewish slave.
To what extent is the servant nature of Christ exhibited in me? Do I serve Christ content with an audience of One to please? Am I hurt if what I do does not receive due recognition? Do I resent it if others get preference over me? Do I give money provided I control how it is spent or I can see my name on a metaphorical or literal plaque? Or do I give first and foremost to Him?
Lord, make me humble and express through me your servant heart today. Amen!
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