The ascended Christ has conscripted his captives to serve in building up his church. In this passage we see that Jesus assigns our roles and defines our goals.

Jesus says his disciples are salt and light in the world. We're saved to have a net-positive influence in a world full of decay and darkness. But the mission of the church isn't doing good works for their own sake. Jesus has a much higher goal in mind: that people would see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven

As Christians, we're conscripted by the King of Heaven into his peace corps on earth. But it's not a call to pursue peace at all costs. For Jesus reminds us that if we truly live like citizens of heaven, we will be hounded by the world. We're blessed in this and should rejoice and be glad for our reward

What does it mean that Jesus emptied himself? This phrase has created a lot of confusion and false teaching. This Lord's Day we're going to marvel at the humble mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. His self-humiliation serves as a foundational motivation and model for all Christian ethics.