By Ruby Ramsey 

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men, and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)

These few short verses touch me more than any others in the Bible. Jesus was equal to God, but He humbled Himself, made Himself of no reputation (emptied Himself of all His privileges) and became a bondservant (a slave), and went willingly to hang on that shameful cross.

Why?

For Me!

 Jesus came to earth to do God's will. He became flesh and dwelt among men. He was tempted just as we are (Hebrews 4:15). Yet He did not sin, nor did He disobey God.

"Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8)

Jesus, in the flesh, did not want to be crucified.  In the garden He prayed:

"O My Father, it if is possible, let this cup pass from me, but nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39).

He obeyed His Father. He submitted to Him. We, too, are put on this earth to do God's will. Sometimes we have to suffer the ridicule of men as we try to obey God. But Philippians 2:5 tells us:

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."

 This is how we act. This is what we do! Jesus totally submitted to God's will, and by doing so, God was with Him and helped Him endure all His sufferings.

When we submit to God's will, He will also help us; give us strength.