The Mind of Christ

April 4, 1993

Our text urges "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus..." and usually evokes a devotional, rational, peaceful Bible study in which we may use the Beatitudes or the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit to see first (1) how they profile our Master; and then (2) how we are supposed to ask for grace to be like Him.

But on Palm Sunday? This is not your typical day in the life of the Teacher!

I. THE MIND OF CHRIST IN THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

  1. Why have a parade at all? Was it an accident? Did it just sort of "happen?" Doesn't it make seem ironic in the light of the crucifixion? Isn't it a mockery, a play-acting to hear "Hosanna!"

    No, there was a definite purpose here; and that purpose ties in with "the mind of Christ."

    1. This is a statement: JESUS IS LORD!
    2. He is the Creator! (The Rocks would cry out!)
    3. He is giving notice: I am in charge!
  2. Zechariah the prophet (9.9) foretold this, and in some sense explains it as well: Behold thy KING cometh unto thee, meek, and lowly . . .
    1. The MEEKNESS of Jesus: strength under control, not weakness. No need to bluster or intimidate. (When He comes in conquest there will be no empty show, either! There will be no resistance able to stand before Him!)
    2. The LOWLINESS of Jesus: a king who has come all the way to where we are; the incarnation Jesus became LIKE us... it is THE miracle of the ages. In redemption Jesus is simply carrying through on the Plan—

II. WHAT, THEN, IS THE MIND OF CHRIST?

  1. The "peaceful study" approach has its place— (Beatitudes and Fruit of the Spirit and all ...
  2. But here we don't "study" about it— we SEE it. We grasp it- - as we watch Him ride past: THE MIND OF JESUS IS LOVE!
    1. LOVE FOR/OF THE FATHER

      He is truly a king— one with the Father. LOVE OF THE FATHER CHARACTERIZES JESUS MORE THAN ANY OTHER ONE THING. The fellowship within the Godhead is mystery— but Jesus shows us the first great commandment: THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART.

    2. IDENTIFICATION WITH THE LEAST AND LOWLIEST

      Jesus stopped the procession at one point — I think I was right there— and He wept over the city. The mind of Christ CARES!

    3. FINALLY, A COMPLETE EMPTYING, OUTPOURING "What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!"

III. LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU

  1. How? Start a new "mind of Christ" study? Form a new class? THINK ABOUT IT? ... discuss ... these have their place! But

    Paul tells us how:

  2. (12) "work out" the salvation God has given you. "WORK?" Better, express in obedience God's love BY DOING HIS WILL!

    (13) We "work out" what God is working IN! The mind of Christ is realizing that God wants to be at work IN us! WE think that WE are so smart! WE have to think it all up! WE have to SAY it or it won't get said ... but NO! God works in those who LOVE Him!

    (14) OMIT the complaining! OMIT the faultfinding .. too often we are "experts and analysis"— we can say what OUGHT to be done, rather than trying to be some part of God's LOVE in action.

    [Dr. J. Glenn Gould brought in a red-penciled, corrected bulletin every Monday morning; the secretary and printer were often reduced to cold sweat and tears!]

    (15) We are God's stars! We are to SHINE OUT HIS LOVE! "You shine as stars as you hold forth WHAT? As you hold forth the word of God! The WORD has "evocative power!"

    [Dr. Sam Kameleson told Helen and me last Tuesday evening how his ministry began. His obedience was a beginning point that God could and did use to His glory!]

Conclusion

Many that were there to see the Triumphal Entry that day went on later to find "the mind of Christ." But however they started ... the arrived because of LOVE!

We preach about discipline, and about developing a prayer life, and about all the responsibilities and privileges of the Christian life. And all these have their place.

But the mind of Christ does not come by any of these! (If we find the mind of Christ, we will certainly want to pursue them all!)

NO- the mind of Christ comes for LOVE! — the mind of Christ comes with LOVE! — the mind of Christ comes AS WE LOVE HIM ENOUGH TO FOLLOW!

WORSHIP OUR GREAT KING! AND LET US SEEK TO BE LIKE HIM!