He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Devotion based on Philippians 2:8

People are willing to put up with a lot if they think it will be worth it in the end. Many athletes and high achievers in various fields will endure long hours of grueling training, decades of preparation, financial sacrifice, and the high demands of professors, coaches, and bosses along the way. But there is a limit to what people will do.

Recently, there’s been a trend in sports of athletes retiring earlier. Sometimes, it’s because athletes are bigger, faster, and stronger, so the effects of age more quickly leave them unable to compete. Other times, it’s because the toll competing takes on their body is not a price they are willing to pay for long.

Do we ever get that way in our walk with God? God’s law makes demands that we just aren’t willing to meet. Undivided devotion? No way. Love for our enemies? That’s a big ask. Complete trust when it seems like God has forgotten us? That’s a pretty hard road to stay on.

When Jesus entered the world on a mission to save, he knew the price that would be demanded of him. Not just long hours teaching and healing, days traveling on foot, or seemingly endless opposition along the way. Jesus knew that death would be required of him. A most shameful death by crucifixion on a Roman cross. Knowing what was coming, when his Father said, “Go!” Jesus went.

When Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem, how good it must have felt to hear the crowds shouting his praises. How easy it would have been to take a different path. Grab onto the glory and chase after the power and greatness. It was there for the taking.

But love for you and me led Jesus to surrender to his Father’s will and give himself over to death. For the times we have considered the cost of obedience too high, the price of following Jesus too great, Jesus willingly paid the price with his life. Because of his surrender, the end of the road for us is not death but life, not pain but paradise. We can surrender all to follow him, knowing that the end will be worth any price.

Prayer:

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