The Selfless Mind of Christ

Scripture: "...he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross." (Philippians 2:7-8)

Soon, Christians worldwide will celebrate Jesus' resurrection. There will be decorations, special events and fasting. This helps us remember Jesus’ sacrifice. Jesus wanted us to remember His death and think about what it means. What was on His mind before it happened? Matthew, Mark, Luke and John tell us a lot, but one of the most important passages isn't even in the Gospels. Let's see what Philippians 2:1-11 tells us about the mind of Christ.

1. He Wasn’t Thinking About Himself

Jesus always existed as God. This was His very nature. No one could take His life from Him, (John 10:18), but He willingly gave it up because He loves you. People were allowed to think he was just another man. He was even a"man of sorrows," (Isaiah 53:3) and there were times He had "no place to lay His head" (Luke 9:58). His trial was unfair, but "He did not open His mouth" (Isaiah 53:7) to stop it. He sacrificed his life because he was thinking about you.

2. He Submitted Entirely to the Father’s Plan

In Matthew 26:36-45, Jesus prays in the garden. It shows us His dread of the cross, especially the moment God's wrath fell on Him. He "despised" this time of shame (Hebrews 12:2). Yet above all, He wanted the Father's will to be done (Matthew 26:39,42), and He "loved His own...to the very end" (John 13:1).

3. He Stepped Down But Was Lifted Up

Before Jesus died on the cross, He was thinking of the Father. He was also thinking of you. It was because of the "joy" coming afterward that He put up with it (Hebrews 12:2). What is that joy? In a beautiful prayer before His arrest, Jesus thanks God none of his would be lost. He asks that we join Him and see His glory. He says, "I pray not only for them, [His disciples], but also for those who believe in me because of their message". If Jesus is your Savior today, it is because you heard the message of the disciples. That means Jesus was praying for you too!(John 17)

Jesus taught His followers that if they wanted to be great, they should serve everyone. (Mark 9:35, 10:44) His prayers and actions show He did this. He held nothing back, enduring the punishment we deserve, though He was completely pure. He said, "Forget yourself, carry your cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). When we submit to God's plan He empowers us to serve others just like Jesus did. We should make the mind of Christ our own.(Philippians 2:5) When we do, we will better reflect His image.