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JESUS’ SELF-EMPTYING (PHILIPPIANS 2:2-11)

REFLECTION

Jesus’ self-emptying is the theme for our reflection. To be self-emptying means to be humble and surrender one’s will to a higher authority. Paul emphasised Jesus’ self-emptying nature when he wrote to the Philippian Christians, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; ⁷ rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death —
even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8)

Beloved in the Lord, in a materialistic and egoistic world, self-emptying or humility is becoming a rare attribute among Christians. Dear friend, the Christian life is a life of service and humility. We are to follow Jesus’ self-emptying example as His faithful disciples. Jesus admonished us to do the same when He said “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13-14-15).

It is important to note that Christian leaders are not bosses but servant-leaders. We are shepherds who must be ready to guide, serve and even sacrifice our lives for the members of our congregations. Their safety and welfare must be our priority. It is rather unfortunate that while Jesus expects Church leaders to demonstrate His self-emptying example, we find some of these people promoting false, self-serving and enslaving teachings to amass wealth from members of their churches to enrich themselves. In the 21st century, some church leaders continue to live comfortable and luxurious lives at the expense of their church members. They own multiple houses, cars, and personal security guards while most of their church members lack the basic necessities of life. Their church members are intimidated and held captives by their fake teachings while being milked of the little resources they have. Today, many people are running into ministry or desire to start their churches because they want to be rich and be served. Beloved in the Lord, Christian ministry and for that matter Christian leadership is about service and self-emptying. It is a life of selflessness, simplicity and total submission to God. Jesus was a simple man who walked on the street with his disciples and associated himself with everyone including those who were tagged as sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes. Today, Church leadership in most instances is about classism and status. Some church leaders consider themselves high-class or top executives, therefore, for an ordinary member of the church to see them, he or she must book an appointment and go through protocols, however, some other members of the church who are deemed to be of the same class and status with the church leaders are given preferential treatment. This is not a representation of our Lord Jesus Christ and what the church stands for. The calling to become a Christian and for that matter, a church leader requires faithfulness to God and dedicating oneself with compassion and love towards the welfare of other people. Jesus was the perfect example of a leader or shepherd who understood His mission, we are told that when “…he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34). Like Jesus, let us continue to empty ourselves for the benefit of humanity and the furtherance of God’s mission in the world.

Dear servant of the Lord, God ultimately rewards humility. Jesus’ self-emptying act of offering His life for our salvation was rewarded by God, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11). Let us serve God and humanity as our first and foremost calling and God in His own appointed time will reward our selflessness or self-emptying act of service by elevating us to share in His glory. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen us to serve with a selfless and humble heart wherever and whenever we are called to serve the Lord. May Jesus’ self-emptying example be seen in our contributions to church growth and national development. Amen.