Daily Meditation: “What Would Jesus Want?”
SCRIPTURE
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. - Philippians 2:9-10
REFLECTION
Sometimes this whole Jesus thing can be confusing. Scripture, like this letter from Paul to the church in Phillipi, tells us that Jesus is above everyone and everything and at his very name every knee should bow. Yet, would Jesus ask us to do that of him? Would Jesus ask us to bow down and worship him? Something tells me Jesus wouldn’t want us to do any such thing.
Would Jesus think he himself was above every name, that he was better and above those for whom he lived, preached, and died? Again, the authentic Jesus of history would, I think, find that incredibly offensive and counter to his message about what the Kingdom was truly like.
There are things Jesus did that we would never think ourselves capable of. I’m not talking about miracles like walking on water (though Peter did for a second or two) or turning water into wine, but rather things like forgiveness, healing, humility, hospitality, advocating for justice in the face of danger and ridicule. And yet Jesus then tells us that when we see him do what he does we should know that after he leaves us we’ll not only continue his work but do greater things than he did.
What are we supposed to think?
Sometimes there are things that Jesus does for us because we truly can’t because only the Son of God could. That’s not a bad thing. Sometimes we need that kind of presence in our lives, and Jesus is there to be that for us. There are in fact times we need to pass the baton, as it were, and let Jesus and God take over for a bit. There are also times, however, when Jesus looks us straight in the eyes and says, “You got this,” or “I”m right here with you, but this is one you have to do on your own.”
Either way, it’s good to know that Jesus is with us.
PRAYER
Friend and Savior Jesus, thank you for always being there and being what we need when we need it, and empowering us to be the same.
Amen.
Peace,
Shawn