There’s never been a more compelling figure in all of human history than Jesus Christ. He has the ability to heal the sick, give sight to the blind, love His enemies, stand for truth, and shine light into the darkest and most desperate situations.
He came from the light and perfection of Heaven to show us what the Father is like, and to make a way for us to enjoy eternal life and friendship with Him. He came not of His own desire, but to accomplish the will of the Father.
Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that Jesus set aside the privileges of deity, emptying Himself of His outward glory by reducing Himself to the form of a lowly servant. If Jesus is showing us the Father, then the way of the Kingdom is humility and surrender. If that is how Jesus prayed, then my prayer ought to be the same. God, take me, change me, and make me more like Jesus.
Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us, but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that. – Ephesians 5:1-2 (MSG)
What would it look like if we really prayed this prayer?
We live in a culture that is fueled by a sense of self-entitlement and pride. God wants to use us to show the world how much He loves them. He wants us to be people who extend grace and mercy. He wants us to love people with the same compassion and humble, selfless, sacrificial love of Jesus!
Let that be our prayer today as we encounter a world dying to know who Jesus is.
“Lord, change us like only You can. Make us more like Jesus.”