Read: Philippians 2:1-11
. . . obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (v. 8)
Extraordinary is defined as something very unusual or remarkable. For example, a protégé pianist is described as someone with extraordinary talent. Dietrich Bonhoeffer asks, “What is the ‘extraordinary’? It is the love of Jesus Christ himself, love that goes to the cross in suffering obedience.” This is extraordinary.
Jesus was extraordinary. He was like no other. He took on the form of a servant, humbled himself, and became “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (vv. 7-8). Isaiah’s prophesy pointed to Christ. He said that the suffering servant has “borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” and he was “pierced for our transgressions” and “crushed for our iniquities” (Isa. 53:4-5). He was “oppressed,” “afflicted,” silent “like a lamb . . . led to slaughter,” and “stricken” (Isa. 53:7-8). The writer of Hebrews said that Jesus, “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2). He bore the weight of our sins on his shoulders. His arms of love were spread wide, his hands nailed to the cross. This was extraordinary. As the hymn says, “What wondrous love is this”!
Paul also said in Romans, “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Rom. 8:34). And there is nothing that can separate us from his love (vv. 38-39). This is how much Jesus loves you! Do you believe this? His love for us is extraordinary!
As you pray, reflect on the cross and what Jesus did for you.
About the Author
Nancy Boote
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America, lives in Holland, Michigan, with her husband. Besides being a mother, a grandmother, a song writer, and lover of horses, Nancy also has a heart for prayer and seeing racism dismantled.
