ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 3, 2026
Good Friday:
In yesterday’s Maundy Thursday Service, we opened with the words from Philippians 2:5-8,
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard e quality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.”
Today, as I reflect more on those words, I am struck by the phrase: “…obedient to the point of death…” Those are some powerful and dynamic words. Not trying to be funny, but I think about our “obedience” to our most recent diet or exercise program. We are obedient to the point of a little discomfort or the first piece of chocolate cake. As followers of Jesus, just how far are we willing to go? In today’s Etching, I won’t pretend to answer that question for you, but I do not go even close to the level of obedience seen in Jesus. In that knowledge, do I shrug my shoulders and say, “Oh well!” Or do I explore how I might, in faith (and by the grace of God), begin stretching the capacity of my obedience? Maybe not to the point of death on my first day of pushing the old boundaries, but genuinely stretching just a little more than yesterday. Remember, Paul called us to have the same mind (or attitude) that was found in Christ, and if that is the case, then most all of us have some work to do in regard to our obedience. On this Good Friday when we remember the death of Jesus, let us reacquaint ourselves with how far his obedience was willing to go.
I have work to do, Lord God, and I trust you will help me recognize the opportunities for growth. Discipleship is never stagnant. You not only invite us to grow in our obedience, but you seek to utilize our obedience for the sake of your work in the world. Amen.
