Isn’t it crazy that Jesus did this.  Being in very nature God he goes down, down, down, down all the way to being obedient to death…taking on the fullness of humanity, even owning the effects of the fall…death.  And not just any death.  Jesus did not pass away of cancer or a heart attack…a cross.

So what does this look like for those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus?  Many days I wake up and quickly realize that so much in me wants to go the opposite way.  I secretly want my name to be exalted and lifted up, instead of taking the hidden way of following him.  Then there’s the old trap of just looking like you are making your way down in following him…but in reality it’s just still self-exaltation but even more devious-pride in sheep’s clothing.

So what do I do about this?  What do you do about this?  We repent.  We confess our ways of self-exaltation…bring them to light with Jesus, accept his grace and look at him.  Seek his face.  Behold what he has done for us and simply gaze.

Could it be that what looks like a way down of following Jesus (becoming a servant, putting others before ourselves, allowing ourselves (egos, pride, selfish ambition) to die is actually where we find real life, real freedom, real love, real joy?

Anybody else have thoughts?  I’m going to bed now.

Much Love – josh