The heart of the gospel
by Jacob Traeger
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Christ Jesus emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness (Philippians 2:7).
Read Philippians 2:5–11
Today marks the first day of what is traditionally known as Holy Week, the seven days of reflection on Jesus Christ’s passion and crucifixion, before the celebration of his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Holy Week takes us deep into the heart of the gospel, the good news about Jesus, where we discover that God is not what we expect.
Many of us have grown up knowing the Easter story of God’s victory over death and evil, but we still need to be immersed in it time and time again. Even those of us who have been in the church our whole lives will be surprised again by the events of Easter because too often we imagine God in our own image.
We live in a world that values individual self-sufficiency. A world where politics rewards a winner-takes-all mentality, where friends are to be rewarded and opponents mercilessly crushed. A world in which technology promises to make our lives more and more comfortable (although at great cost to the environment). If I’m honest, I want to use power and influence in just these ways – to make life a little bit easier for myself and my friends. To have security, to be insulated from the world’s problems.
Holy Week shows what a pale imitation this is of real power and influence. God is, of course, all-powerful, holy and self-secure. So instead of grasping for power and influence, God empties Godself. Holy Week shows us that real power isn’t afraid to be weak and vulnerable. Real holiness doesn’t cut itself off from impurity but reaches out to cleanse. Real influence isn’t used to secure yourself, but to serve others.
If only that were how we understood power, holiness and influence. How different the world would be!
At the cross, God indeed does judge the world and finds it wanting. God finds us grasping for power and influence to serve ourselves. God finds you in rebellion against his intention for you. But instead of condemning and destroying you, Jesus Christ lowers himself to a criminal’s death for you.
At the cross, we discover real power and influence – and real security. If God’s weakness is stronger than death, we don’t need to go hunting for security anywhere else. We can be freed to give of ourselves to others in just the same way.
Lord Jesus, I confess those times I seek power and influence to bring myself comfort and security. This week, lead me more fully into the cross, so that my heart would beat with yours. Empty me of my selfish desires and fill me with your Spirit of sacrificial love.
Jacob lives with his wife, Kate, in Canberra, where he serves as a pastor in the Molonglo Valley Gospel Community church plant. He loves that Canberra is a place full of interesting people, where Christians can serve, bless and pray for those making big decisions for Australia. In his downtime, you’ll find him hiking, cycling, playing board games or making homebrew with friends.
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