The Humble King

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead, He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when He had come as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.”  Philippians 2:5-8 (CSB)

 On this Palm Sunday, as we remember when the Lord Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, preceded by an enthusiastic crowd who laid cloaks and palm branches before Him like a red carpet, we also remember that the triumph of this King was not at all like they had expected. Just a few days later, King Jesus would humble Himself in an even greater way than He had when He condescended to be born in a dirty cattle stall. He would hold His peace as He was falsely accused, and tortured, and killed. The Lion of Judah, who could have crushed His oppressors in an instant, closed His mouth, retracted His claws, and let them lead Him to slaughter like a silent lamb. The scene was dark, and it looked as if God’s plan of redemption had been ruined by Satan. But very soon the world would see that this humble King had used the very devices of the wicked to crush the brazen Serpent’s head and wreck his wicked rule! Behold the wisdom of God! Behold the ironic victory of our King! Let us turn to this King and be forgiven and cleansed, and let us imitate His humility as we share His gospel with the lost world around us. 

Pastor Mike