And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:8)
ON August 5, 2010, a significant cave-in at a mine in Chile trapped thirty-three miners. These men would spend sixty-nine days 2,300 feet below the earth’s surface—and three miles from the mine’s entrance. As the efforts to rescue them progressed, workers from around the world would lend their assistance. In the end, six rescue workers would be lowered all the way down the shaft to personally assist the trapped miners to the surface. All the miners returned safely to their families.
Jesus came all the way down the shaft into this world in order to save us. He was (and is) God—yet He came in human form. But that wasn’t far enough; He came as a servant. Still further, He lowered himself and submitted to dying for us. And one last, final step: He died not a peaceful, quiet death at the end of a long life, but He died the violent death of a criminal, executed though He was totally innocent.
How can we ever thank Jesus enough for the distance to which He went for our salvation? Paul gave the answer in Philippians 2:5: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus,” that is, imitate God the Son, who is humble, selfless, and willing to serve. As Christ demonstrated, you’ll end up pleasing God, and even drawing others’ attention to the One who went the distance for you.
Practice a daily attitude check—ask yourself if you are thinking like Jesus.
Paul Zinter has served as a pastor and editor. He enjoys writing, bread making, and teaching at his local church.
