The Witness of the Cross

Philippians 2:3-11

The witness of the cross reveals a radical contrast between what Jesus could have done and what He did. Although (since) He was God and could have ordered us to bring Him perfect offerings, He did not require of us what we could not give, but rather He gave to us His perfect life as an offering in our behalf. Amazing! Herein we see the witness of the cross - a life of self-offering to God and to others.

ALTHOUGH He “existed in the form of God” (a status that implies a full and free exercise of power), HE DID NOT “regard equality with God as a thing to be grasped” (did not exploit that status for personal gain), BUT “emptied Himself” (poured out His life for the sake of others). He certainly acted contrary to what we might expect from those in positions of power, but not contrary to His nature or to His mission. This is God in fullness of character being and behaving as a human in the world! (Are we sure we want to be like Jesus?) This is the “mind of Christ” (I Cor 2:16) that we freely received. (Do we know what it means to think Christianly?)

Wherever Crucified, Risen Life reigns, this witness shows up! In Timothy: “ALTHOUGH he could have sought his own interests, he DID NOT live for himself, BUT he concerned himself for the welfare of oth-ers.” (Phil 2:19-21) In Epaphroditus: “ALTHOUGH he was sick to the point of death, he did not use that as a reason to be self-preserving, BUT risked his life for others.” (Phil 2:25-30) In Paul: “ALTHOUGH we have the status of apostles, we DID NOT use our position for special treatment, BUT we made ourselves as slaves to you.” (I Cor 9:1ff)

Do you understand then, why Paul told the Philippians, “ALTHOUGH you may be right and others wrong, DO NOT operate from self-centeredness or empty conceit, BUT in humility put others interests about yours.” (Phil 2:3-4). Or, why to husbands he would say, “ALTHOUGH you may be head of the household, DO NOT take advantage of that status to oppress your wives, BUT rather sacrificially love them.” Or, to wives, “ALTHOUGH there is no male of female in Christ, DO NOT exploit that to usurp your husbands’ headship, BUT instead respectfully subject yourselves to them.” (Eph 5:22-33)

This is how the cross “in the heart of God” shows its character. This is how the Crucified, Risen One in our hearts bears witness to Himself. This is what it means to “work out our own salvation” according to the nature of God “who is at work” in you and me. (Phil 2:12-13)