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Philippians 2 gives us one of Scripture’s most powerful pictures of Jesus Christ. Though He was in the form of God, He made Himself of no reputation, took the form of a servant and came in the likeness of men. He humbled Himself even to death upon the cross. Christmas may give us the familiar picture of the child in the manger, but the manger cannot be separated from the cross. Christ came with a purpose. The eternal Son entered human history, humbled Himself and gave His life so that sinful people might be reconciled to God. Paul therefore tells believers to have this same mind – putting away selfish ambition, looking to the interests of others and learning to serve with the humility demonstrated perfectly in Christ.
That leads naturally to John the Baptist. Hundreds of years before his birth, the prophets spoke of a messenger who would come before the Lord and “prepare the way”. John understood his role. His ministry was not about building a reputation for himself, but directing attention towards the Messiah who was coming after him. Jesus later described John as more than a prophet, yet immediately reminded His hearers of the extraordinary privilege given to those who belong to the kingdom of heaven. John prepared the way for Christ’s first coming. Believers today have also been entrusted with a message – the gospel of Jesus Christ – and are called to make Him known while waiting for the King to come again.
The story of Sydney evangelist Frank Jenner gives a remarkable picture of what faithful witness can look like. For decades he approached people, offered gospel literature and asked them to consider where they would spend eternity. For much of his life, he apparently had little knowledge of what resulted from those conversations. Yet years later, testimonies began emerging from people around the world whose lives had been changed after encountering that persistent old man on George Street. He had simply continued doing the work placed before him. The story reminds us that we may never see all the fruit produced through a conversation, an invitation, a testimony or a simple act of Christian faithfulness.
Preparing the way therefore means more than speaking about Christ. Our lives should increasingly confirm the message we proclaim. Our families, friends, neighbours and workmates should be able to recognise that we belong to Jesus. We are called to pray for boldness, seek opportunities to share the gospel, encourage other believers and live according to the Word of God rather than merely reflecting the culture around us. We do not know when Christ will return, but Scripture calls us to readiness and faithfulness. The One who once came in humility will be openly recognised as Lord. Until that day, we have been given time and opportunity to serve Him, proclaim Him and prepare the way for the coming King.
The message progresses through four connected truths:
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- Christ humbled Himself for us – Philippians 2 shows the eternal Son willingly taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to the cross.
- John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ – his calling was to direct people away from himself and towards the Messiah.
- Believers are now commissioned to make Christ known – the gospel is to be proclaimed through both our words and the way we live.
- We prepare the way while awaiting the King – Christ will return, so our present opportunity should be used faithfully.
The practical challenge is simple: would the people who know us also know that we belong to Jesus?
Consider the people God has already placed around you – family, neighbours, workmates and friends. Ask Him for one opportunity to speak of Christ or show His love this week. You may never know how God uses that simple act of obedience, but your responsibility is to be faithful with the opportunity He gives.
