The Attitude of Jesus
Seek it if you have any encouragement in him.
Luke 19:28-44 | Philippians 2:1-5 | Gospels during Lent: Luke 3-5
Jesus has finally entered Jerusalem. Often Jesus takes things as they come and responds or teaches in response to what the disciples or others do. Jesus is adaptable in this way, responding to our situations and context. But he takes some agency in thought of entering the great city of Jerusalem and what that would look like.
Remember that by now, he has already run into plenty of trouble and disagreement. When we humans encounter trouble and challenge, we naturally seek ways to prop ourselves up a bit more, to regain the advantage or position we may have lost because of the skirmishes we face. But not Jesus. Jesus arranged such that when he enters the city…he’s riding an ass.
Paul stresses such humility. It’s at the heart of Philippians. As we approach the great and central hymn of the letter - we’ll read it tomorrow - Paul’s admonishment is anchored in Jesus’ humble attitude (and forthcoming action).
Think the same way.
Have the same love.
Adopt the same attitude.
Luke 19:28-44
After Jesus said this, he continued on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
As Jesus came to Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he gave two disciples a task. He said, “Go into the village over there. When you enter it, you will find tied up there a colt that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say, ‘Its master needs it.’” Those who had been sent found it exactly as he had said.
As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
They replied, “Its master needs it.” They brought it to Jesus, threw their clothes on the colt, and lifted Jesus onto it. As Jesus rode along, they spread their clothes on the road.
As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. They said,
“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”
Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, scold your disciples! Tell them to stop!”
He answered, “I tell you, if they were silent, the stones would shout.”
As Jesus came to the city and observed it, he wept over it. He said, “If only you knew on this of all days the things that lead to peace. But now they are hidden from your eyes. The time will come when your enemies will build fortifications around you, encircle you, and attack you from all sides. They will crush you completely, you and the people within you. They won’t leave one stone on top of another within you, because you didn’t recognize the time of your gracious visit from God.”
Philippians 2:1-5
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus…
Prayer
God,
I do find great encouragement in Christ. Honestly, he’s the reason I even choose to have faith. Despite the failings of the Church, the crumbling of institution, the hypocrisy of humanity, and so much more…I choose to believe because of the person of Jesus.
So help my belief turn into being. Keep me from selfishness and the temptation to cheat the mind-game that results in telling myself I’m better than others. Help me see the good in each person, including myself. Give me eyes to see what would make things better for others. And instill in me the attitude of Jesus.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.