For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.
2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
I spent years reading this verse, thinking that I needed the mind of Christ, ie the thoughts, knowledge, logic, reason, memory, perception and mental ability of the Messiah. This is not what Paul has in mind here – (hope you don’t mind the pun!)
When Paul speaks of mind in this passage, he is speaking of attitude, not knowledge. When you think of the Lord Jesus, with His disciples, what attitude jumps out at you? Anger with their slowness of faith? Impatience with the infighting, personal quarrels and bickering? What about His attitude regarding those who were religious and stood in the way to the kingdom? Same attitude?
My friends, as I have been studied the parables in past posts, (Parable Surprises – Introduction) and currently the miracles of the Messiah, (Signs and Mighty Works of Jesus – Introduction) I have found a man, fully cognizant of His identity and mission, yet who exhibited patience beyond human reason, an attitude of submission to the Father’s will, and of a willingness to suffer for those who fought against Him, whether they be Pharisees, the disciples, or myself.
His attitude is one of humility, a meek and gentle man, that exhibited power through love, authority through submission, and Lordship through service. His only self description of His character actually referred to His humility.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
His kingdom is an upside down kingdom, and drinking at the well of worldly opinion, always consuming the me me me life, will never provide the peace that we desperately seek.
Look to Him, see a Messiah who is gentle and lowly in heart, and mimic Him.
For He is good
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