Obedient to Death
“Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Philippians 2:7-8
The Church begins Holy Week with Palm Sunday where were commemorate the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people welcomed Him waving palm branches and even paving the road with their cloaks, a winner’s welcome. They cried out “Hosanna,” trusting that Jesus is the One who will restore the Davidic Kingdom. The hearts of these people were filled with hope and joy. Yet a few days later, those hopeful hearts will harden into hateful hearts, exchanging their “Hosanna!” for “Crucify him!”
Jesus did not enter into Jerusalem to be the Messiah the people desired; He came to be the Messiah the Father willed. Jesus came to do one thing and one thing only: the Father’s will. To show the love and mercy of God and to draw all things and peoples to Himself is what Jesus came to do. How ironic it is that the more Jesus tried to preach the Father’s love and mercy did the chief priests plot to kill Him all the more and the people shout “Crucify him” all the louder. Yet, this did not stop Jesus. Nothing could stand in the way of Jesus’s obedience to His Father, even if the way led to death.
In condescending unto earth, Jesus left the glory of heaven to become one of us, like us in all things but sin, so that we might come to know the Father’s love. He left the place of glory and entered into a world that wanted Him dead. While He came to give life, He was met with death. But, death was no match for Him. How can the Lord of Life be held down by the Prince of Darkness, for his Master is the Lord. Jesus emptied Himself and subjected Himself to the laws of the world so that He can save us from the world. In His obedience unto death Jesus brought unto us eternal life. Will we chant “Hosanna!” or “Crucify him!” today? What do our actions say?
May we empty ourselves this Holy Week of our selfish passions and desires and allow the love and mercy of God to fill our hearts, so that like Jesus, we too, might become obedient to the Father’s will, even if it means dying to ourselves so that the needs of others might come first.
Blessed Holy Week to you.
