In a world filled with division, conflict, and the pursuit of personal glory, the example of Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate counter-cultural message. This sermon explores how Jesus demonstrated the perfect model of humility, service, and obedience—and how we are called to follow in His footsteps.
The Power of Example
Pastor Josh began with a powerful illustration: a story of two men in Benton Harbor, Michigan—a former police officer who falsified reports and planted drugs on an innocent man, and the man he wrongly imprisoned for four years. Years later, both men ended up working at the same faith-based café. Instead of seeking revenge, the wrongfully accused man chose to forgive. He told the former officer, “I love you.” They now give speeches together about forgiveness and redemption.
This story raises a profound question: if these two men can extend such grace to each other, what’s our excuse? The answer lies in looking to Jesus Christ as our perfect example.
Philippians 2: The Mind of Christ
The sermon centered on Philippians 2:5-11, a passage that teaches us to have the same mindset as Jesus Christ. Paul writes this to inspire us to live according to Christ’s actions, not just know about them.
“Have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
— Philippians 2:5-8
Three Steps Jesus Took That We Must Follow
Pastor Josh identified three specific actions that Jesus took as our example:
1. He Had a Godly Attitude
Jesus chose to have a godly attitude while on earth. This means we can choose to have a good day by deciding to have the right mindset. Paul tells us this attitude involves: doing nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, in humility counting others more significant than ourselves, and looking not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others.
This is especially relevant in our current cultural climate. Rather than viewing others as opponents on opposite sides of issues, we must see them as fellow image-bearers of God who all need grace and mercy.
2. He Gave Up His Rights
Philippians 2:6 tells us that Jesus “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.” The Greek word here means something seized as a prize—not that He couldn’t comprehend His deity, but that He refused to cling to His rights and privileges as God.
No one ever had more right to be honored and worshipped than Jesus. He created everything—and yet He laid aside that right to accomplish the Father’s will. The question for us is: what are we grasping onto in our lives that we need to release?
3. He Became Obedient
Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. This wasn’t just obedience in easy circumstances; it meant being obedient even when it led to wrongful accusation, suffering, and crucifixion.
“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued to entrust himself to him who judges justly.”
— 1 Peter 2:21-23
Obedience to God’s will is challenging in any era, but especially in our current culture. Yet we are called to be subject to those in authority, to live as servants of God, and to honor everyone.
The Application
It’s easy to get distracted in our modern world—frustrated, suspicious, anxious, and stressed. But when we lose our focus on Jesus, life becomes difficult. We need to wake up each day remembering the example He gave us.
Jesus is the example we need. He demonstrates that true greatness comes through humility, service, and obedience. When we fix our eyes on Him and follow His example, we find the purpose and meaning we were created for.
The passage also points to Christ’s future return—when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. But for now, we are called to live as His representatives, showing the world what it looks like to have the mind of Christ.
Scripture References
- Philippians 2:5-11 — The mind of Christ and His example
- Colossians 1:15-17 — The deity of Christ
- 1 Peter 2:13-25 — Obedience and following Christ’s example