Jesus exemplified selflessness by humility. That selflessness takes it source from the mind of Christ. What is the mindset of Christ? While we may not be able to use one word to define this, we can deduce this mindset from how it is described. Here are some of the characteristics of the mindset of Christ.
Let us attempt to describe this mind of Christ:
- It is founded on true knowledge of oneself. “…though he was in the form of God…” Christ knew he was God and did not need to wrestle that status in view of the mission he was about to undertake. In John 13:3, the same mind operated. “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God.” Jesus had complete knowledge of himself, his worth, his abilities, his destiny, his purpose etc. There was no reason to doubt himself. He knew he was above all, all things were under his control. There was nothing that could unseat him from his position. Yet, he humbled himself.
- Absolute confidence in God. “he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God” GNB. He did not struggle to preserve his status… in the light of mankind’s need. When the call to become a servant came (Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations Is 42:1), he did not insist on his right as God. He did not struggle to stay in his estate in the Trinity. He accepted willingly to become the servant of the Trinity in order to fulfil God’s purpose. Why? Because he trusted in the unfailing character of God. There was no reason to fear a loss because he could not be sabotaged. That nature does not exist in God. He knew that very well and so was willing to lay it all down for the greater good of mankind.
- Self-emptying. “but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant… vs 7″ This emptying is not of Divinity but of the rights and privileges of Divinity. He made himself of no reputation by laying aside the glory he had with God. He became poor 2 Cor 8:9 and weak 2 Cor 13:4 and as a servant (Mt 20:28) that men could not discern his true state. He came as a babe in weakness and total dependence and served mortal men as if he were not God John 13:5-8. In this self-emptying state, he was described as a worm Ps 22:6; and of his form in suffering, he was so marred that there was no beauty to desire him and was not esteemed Is 53:3. He did not come as a Prince (even though the Prince of peace); nor did he come as the warrior King (the King of kings); but he came as a Servant.
- Humility by obedience. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross vs 8. In humility his life was characterized by obedience…to God. He who was LORD over all, not to be counselled or instructed became obedient in order to accomplish God’s purpose. He did not come to do His own will but the will of Him who sent him. He learned obedience by the things he suffered says the writer of Hebrews (Heb 5:8). His perfect obedience led him to the point of death. Through the agony of what was before him he cried, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will” Mt 26:39. One who refuses to be instructed is proud, he has not known the mind of Christ.