Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 (All verses quoted are MSG)
Scripture Quote: That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage." (Mar 10:45)
The Bible tells us, in the book of John, all about our Savior. Jesus is The Good Shepherd (10:11), He is The Vine (15:1-10), The Door (7:9), and The Bread of Life (6:25-35). Christ lights the world (9:5), shows The Way (14:6) and He is The Truth (14:6). Jesus is the Christian’s whole life (14:6). This is the same man who came to earth to serve humanity - The greatest man to ever live, came to make himself the least among men! He was pure, holy and dedicated to the benefit and service of mankind.
Along with Jesus' self-inflicted, lowly state, the Father further extended to Him the cup of deep sufferings (18:11), as payment for, and restoration of man's broken state. Jesus was the Royal Servant, deserving of honor and glory, yet He was beaten, humiliated and murdered because of man's evil heart and lust for blood. But Christ’s divine innocence and purity was the ultimate sacrifice to God and finalized man's redemption from sin's dominion forever. And so it stands: whoever believes in Jesus will not be condemned by the Father and will have everlasting life (5:24).
Today’s meditation: Serve your brothers and sisters with a pure heart.
Memory Verse: It's not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. (Matthew 20:26)