Read Philippians 2:1–8
But [Jesus] made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a
servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in
appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient
to death—even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:7–8
Jesus did not pretend to be a servant; He actually was a servant! This
was the true expression of His innermost nature. He was the Godman, deity and humanity united in one, and He came as a servant.
Have you noticed as you read the four gospels that it was Jesus
who served others, not others who served Jesus? He was at the beck
and call of all kinds of people—fishermen, harlots, tax collectors, the
sick, the sorrowing. In the Upper Room, when His disciples apparently refused to minister, Jesus arose, laid aside His outer garments,
put on the long linen towel, and washed their feet (John 13:1–17).
He took the place of a menial slave! This was the submissive mind in
action—and no wonder Jesus experienced such joy!
Something to Ponder
In your experience, what is the connection between serving others
and receiving personal joy?