Christ’s Humiliation and Exaltation
Christ Jesus, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation… He humbled Himself. Philippians 2:6-8
As the events of Maundy Thursday night and Good Friday unfolded, it seemed that everything was going wrong for Jesus. It appeared that He walked into a trap in Gethsemane and that His enemies had the upper hand as they arrested Him and subsequently beat and degraded Him at their pleasure.
In spite of all appearances, Jesus was in control. He willingly and voluntarily put Himself on the cross. Through all His time on earth He retained His glory as the Son of God, but He chose not to use His power to resist the way of the cross. He completed His mission on the cross for the joy that was set before Him in redeeming the souls of sinners.
The world may see Jesus as weak or ineffectual and merely as a martyr for a cause. Christians may at times forget the glory, honor, and power of Jesus. We do so when we fail to ask Him for help in our time of need, callously disregard His commands, and forget the saving power of His innocent blood. Remember that the same Jesus who created the world was in control on the cross and continues to control events for the good of those who love Him.
What punishment so strange is suffered yonder!
The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander;
The Master pays the debt His servants owe Him,
Who would not know Him.
The Lutheran Hymnal 143:4