The Mind of the Messiah

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:5 (NKJV)

When people of the ancient world thought about heroes, they thought about Alexander the Great and Emperor Agustus—both of these individuals were given the status of gods! This came about mainly because of their military prowess and power to conquer and subdue nations by force of arms—this is what heroic leadership looked like in that world. Only when we truly grasp this do we understand how different and how utterly mind-blowing Paul’s message about Jesus of Nazareth was.

In his letter to the church at Philippi he tells us that God’s Son became a human, put on flesh and came to dwell with us here on earth. He humbled himself and became subject to death for all mankind.  As a result of this he was exalted by his Father and given a name that is above all names, and at that Name, Jesus, every knee would bow and every tongue would confess that this Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father! (Philippians 2:5-11).

He was the reality; this is what true sovereignty looks like, in fact Jesus himself pointed this out to the disciples. He told them; the rulers of this world lord it over others but don’t you be like that; whoever wants to be a leader must become a servant and a slave to all. Pointing to himself he said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45).

Throughout history too many leaders have gone down the Alexander/Agustus road.  Some rulers in England and France were convinced that they were not just mere mortals but actually divine like some Emperors of Rome claimed. Jesus Christ, who actually was both human and divine, tells us that he came to serve and not to be served. What a difference it would make to humanity if all leaders took up this mantle that Paul calls “The mind of Christ”. and let’s not limit it to leaders but to all who draw breath here on planet earth—let us all serve each other with the love and mind of Messiah.

Can you take a minute or two and try and picture in your mind’s eye what a fantastic place this world would be?

Prayer
Lord, we all need your mind with that wonderful compassion and care that reached out to everyone in need during your ministry here. Please fill us with that same love and give as all a servant’s heart for others.
Amen

Study by Cliff Neill

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About the Author:
Cliff Neill is an Elder in Grace Communion Church Luton.

Local  Congregation:
Grace Communion Church Luton
Farley Hill Methodist Church
North Drift Way
Farley Hill
LUTON
LU1 5JE

Meeting Time:
Saturday 10:30am

Local Congregational Contact:
Harry Sullivan
Phone:  01908-582222
Email: harry_sullivan@wcg.org.uk