In the Footsteps of Jesus #1

Over the next few weeks I want to share some of the insights I gained from my two trips to Israel. The Holy Land is often called the Fifth Gospel since an understanding of the geography and the culture of the time is crucial to an understanding of what the Gospels say about our Lord. I invite you to follow with me in the footsteps of Jesus.

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11
¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
⁶Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
⁷but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death
even death on a cross!
⁹Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Our journey begins in Bethlehem. As you can see from the picture above to approach the birth-place of Jesus requires that you humble yourself..Literally. The entrance to the Church of the Nativity is a small door about 5 feet high. Originally built to prevent horses from entering this holy site, it now serves as a wonderful object lesson on how we should approach Christ.

Once inside you are greeted by wide open spaces and rich artistry. The altar area gleams with gold and flickering candles. The actual spot where Jesus was supposed to have been born is marked with a large silver star. It is quite a beautiful shrine, but a far cry from what is was like when Jesus was born. No gold or silver, only the cold and some straw.No grand altar, but a simple stone manger.

Paul writes to the Church in Phillipi to remind them how much Jesus had to humble Himself to save us. He did not merely stoop to enter a room. He had to give up so much more. All the silver and gold of this world is nothing compared to the riches of heaven. And Jesus left the glories of that place for the sinfulness of this world - for us! May that thought humble our hearts today!

Question: What do you think you should give up considering Jesus' sacrifice?

Prayer: Father, help us to realize just a bit of what Jesus gave up for us. Help us to have the same mind among ourselves. Make us humble. In Jesus' name. Amen.